Like many other people my view on sharks was determined by how society portrays them through media. Hollywood movies, like Jaws continue to fabricate a false identity about sharks. I used to be deathly afraid of sharks but this had nothing to do with my own encounters. The very “dangerous” sharks we hear and believe in today is a view society has given them. From the producers of Jaws,to the creators of Megaladon, it gives a very false image of these beautiful creatures. “Sharks live to harm”, is a false ideology that many people live by. I have, since following Loving Our Oceans Now, have been able to see these beautiful creatures for what they really are. These creatures, better known as sharks, are both vital components to ocean ecosystems and one of the greatest creatures on earth. I encourage all to see these amazing animals for yourself.
I am born to a Brazilian father and have recently been able to spend my Christmas holidays in Brazil. Brazil is home to many different wildlife species on both land and in the ocean. Yup, that means sharks as well. I jumped in the water on a snorkeling excursion not knowing exactly what would be in the water. I had many butterflies and bad feelings about the ocean because of what we are taught about what goes on under the sea. “The ocean is dangerous because sharks live there”, is the way I was feeling before I even jumped off the boat. I saw different small fish and instantly I was drawn to the water. I wanted to explore and learn all there is to know about these creatures that were not sharks. As I swam through the area I noticed different fish coming and going and simply, just minding their own business. I looked more carefully through the ocean as I was being very cautious. No shark was going to come attack me. Due to my keen sense of awareness, I noticed a sea turtle gliding against the water while trying get a glimpse of who I was. I went up to the sea turtle and swam closer towards it. It was very playful and curious of me. I felt it’s very hard shell and understood how great of a protector it is. I watched the sea turtle as it pass and change directions. I looked closer and I saw shark and my heart instantly was beating very fast. I knew if I swam to fast it would draw attention to me so I decided to swim and blend in like I belonged in the ocean. The shark payed me no mind and it was almost as if it meant no harm to me or anyone, I was even able to touch it and still keep my limbs and bodily fluids in tack. It was felt as if two friends were crossing paths on the street and just wanting to say “Hello”. I believe that it was as if the turtle lead me to the shark, as if the turtle led me to my fear and knew I could face it. I left the ocean with a different viewpoint that day. This will be a lesson I take with me for the rest of my life.
I now know society is wrong for the way we feel about these beautiful creatures and I challenge all to have the same experience I did. Through your eyes you can then spread the knowledge of sharks as I did, in order to change society’s viewpoint. We have no reason to fear sharks based on what we see in Hollywood films such asthose mentioned above. When we watch other movies we don’t believe in many of the ideological viewpoints portrayed so, why can’t we do the same for sharks ?
Author: Nykell Jones
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