Matawan, New Jersey, Leads Tour of Historic 1916 Shark Attacks Inspiring Jaws

The 50th anniversary of the classic horror film "Jaws" has renewed interest in shark-related stories and culture. The Matawan Aberdeen Historical Society is honoring this milestone by offering tours that recount the 1916 Matawan Creek shark attacks, which inspired the film and profoundly changed public perceptions of sharks, highlighting both the tragedy and the heroism involved. Meanwhile, the Japanese film "Hot Spring Shark Attack" offers a comedic spoof of shark attack movies, featuring bizarre prehistoric sharks wreaking havoc in unusual urban locations, though it has been critiqued for its primitive effects and absurd plot. The lasting cultural impact of sharks is also seen in literature, such as Joe Flood’s "Science Comics: Sharks – Nature’s Perfect Hunter," which educates readers about sharks’ evolution and dispels myths about their nature. These varied portrayals—from historical events and educational comics to horror and spoof films—reflect the complex relationship humans have with sharks, blending fear, fascination, and respect.