Sharks

Most of us have been thrilled and entertained or downright terrified by Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece, Jaws. John Williams’ superb music is enough to make you wary of having a bath.

Let’s not forget the main story though. A seaside resort is heavily dependent on tourist trade. Sure, a few sharks have been seen around but there’s no real threat. Don’t listen to the Sunday school snowflakes. Jobs are at stake. The local economy is the important thing. A few people get swallowed by a shark, well sure, that’s sad but most folk can enjoy a harmless dip without any danger.

Only one man, alone against the tide, insists on the danger.

The story is similar to an 1882 play, An Enemy of the People  by Henry Ibsen which is about a doctor’s drawing attention to the fact that the town’s spa waters are contaminated with bacteria and a threat to health. Against him, the town’s authorities prioritise the money the spas bring in. (Ibsen’s deeper theme was how the individual may be a lonely voice against vested interests and opinions).

In ‘real life’ the questions are raised of who are the enemies of the people, and which side are we?

Sometimes, those who wear nice suits have some power, mix with the ‘elite’ are not right.

Sometimes, little fish need to swim against the tide and call them out for being wrong. And avoid the nets and snares.