Shark attack!: A cultural approach |
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| Authors: | Adrian Peace |
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| Affiliation: | Honorary position in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Queensland. He has conducted research in Nigeria, Ireland and Australia. He wishes to thank an anonymous AT reviewer and Perth resident Sam Peace for invaluable assistance and advice in the production of this article. |
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| Abstract: | Many Australians would concur with the view of the novelist Tim Winton that we have an ‘almost supernatural fear and hatred’ of sharks. Especially in the wake of fatal attacks by great white sharks (on average once or twice per year), the extent of fascination and fear within the population at large is undeniable. This paper rejects the frequently encountered explanation that this is because we have an ‘instinctual’, ‘hard wired’ and ‘primal fear’ of wild animals that can kill people. Its focus instead is on the contemporary cultural interpretations of great whites and their behaviour which come to the fore when fatal attacks take place. |
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