Forum, Jul. 14, 1975

To the Editors:

Whew! When I first saw your "Super Shark" cover [June 23], I was sure that the IRS had reneged on rebates and wanted them back, with interest.

Roger Markley Ontario, Calif.

I enjoyed reading about Jaws, but although sharks are unpredictable I am convinced that they are not as dangerous as they are cracked up to be. In the 25 years that I have worked in the oceans round the world I have seen many sharks, but I have never seen one attack a person. There are rare cases in which sharks can become almost pets by being hand-fed.

Edwin A. Link Binghamton, N. Y.

Inventor of the trainer for blind flying, Link has also designed equipment for underwater exploration.

When it comes to efficiency at killing, man makes the shark look like an enraged toy poodle.

Alfred L. Weiss University Heights, Ohio

Why is the public so fascinated by earthquakes, fires, sinking ships and, now, menacing sharks? One of the main reasons that the shake and bake and devour movies are such a hit on the screen is that we all face so many major problems off the screen. By watching others suffer we drain off some of our own fears. The concern over food shortages, energy conservation, inflation and the possibility of being jobless all seem less threatening when compared with an earthquake that wipes out thousands or a shark that tears bodies to shreds.

The closer the imaginary terror comes to what might really happen, the more gripping the feeling in our gut. The shark fantasy hits where we are the most tender—our fear of dismemberment, the invasion of our bodies. It is bad enough when we must undergo a surgeon's knife; it is unbearable when it is a mindless frenzy that attacks our body integrity.

We turn to films for the catharsis that relieves our fears and anxieties. By identifying with those who escape and overcome their problems we gain courage to battle our own private disasters. We are so emotionally blunted that with each blockbuster picture we have to go further for dramatic effect.

Joyce Brothers New York City

Dr. Brothers' new book will be Better Than Ever.

I was editor of Peter Benchley's novel Jaws and regret Actor Robert Shaw's suggestion that it was a novel "written by committee." That's just not true. My colleagues and I made routine criticisms of the manuscript as it progressed, but all the solutions were Benchley's own, and every word in the book is his. Benchley was nobody's patsy, and any suggestion to the contrary cheats him of his accomplishment.

Thomas Congdon New York City

I cut out the TIME cover of the great white shark and taped him, facing in, on the glass of my aquarium.

I watched proudly as my gallant guppies cruised past the menacing "jaws" unintimidated.

I think I'll go in the water after all.

Robert E. Leonard State College, Pa.

Paging the Don

So the CIA was (or is) in cahoots with the Mafia [June 23]? Why not eliminate the CIA and legalize the Mafia? They have a better batting average and an acceptable image in our present violence-filled society. Godfather, we need help!

Nancy Jordan Satellite Beach, Fla.