Senior Project Advisor

Mart Stewart

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2021

Keywords

Marine. Misconceptions. Popular Culture. Documentary.

Abstract

The underwater world is one of the least understood realms on our planet. It exists in our minds as a sort of alternative reality that has been shaped by underwater imaginaries such as Jacques Cousteau, Netflix, and Disney. These pop culture depictions of the ocean play off ideas such as a “stranger in this ecosystem” narrative and deceptions of the senses to present a more captivating version of the underwater world. Ones that’s purpose is not to inform, rather to entertain. Drawing on my own experience as a diver and marine biologist, I will explore these deceptions to provide a more complete window into life below the waves. I hope to dispel these misconceptions and encourage people to think critically about popular depictions of the marine world.

Department

Biology

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Sea in motion pictures; Underwater exploration; Film criticism

Genre/Form

essays

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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