SeaWorld is a billion dollar entertainment industry and rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned animals. “Blackfish” a film by Gabriela Cowperthwaite is inspired mainly by the events surrounding Tilikum, a bull orca weighing over 12,000 pounds currently owned by Seaworld. The purpose of the film is to expose the wrongful captivity of Orcas at SeaWorld. In the beginning of the film, trainers share the way they came to the industry. Their love and respect for the beauty of whales inspired them to work for Seaworld. Their goal was to experience a connection with these whales.Back then, little to nothing was known about orcas. In their line of work, they realized that these creatures were more in tuned with their emotions than they thought.
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Though the film makes very valid points, it's slanted structure and form result in additional questioning of its legitimacy. “Why Blackfish is Misleading, Unoriginal, and Stupid,” an online article written by Melissa A. Smith, uncovers the questionable weaknesses of the film “Blackfish.” Blackfish claims that whales are friendly and respectful towards humans, even want to be companions with them. “In actuality, this juxtaposition is insulting to the true nature of killer whales and even unintentionally puts stock into the idea that trainers have special connections to the animals (a notion that seems to be criticized by the film).(Smith 2016)” The author claims that we over romanticize the idea that whales have a “connection” with us, the effect being whale endangerment. For example, Luna was denied the right to be reintegrated to her pod due to spiritual beliefs upheld by a group, and consequently, she was accidently killed in an attempt to play and communicate with people. The article argues that “Blackfish” over does it with emotional drama. The importance of their connection with us is irrelevant and disrespectful to their life and …show more content…
They present their claims and back up the argument through video clips where whales evidently attack their trainers in a moment of aggression. Their stance is not challenged but criticized for the lack of variety in point of view and one-sidedness that is strongly found throughout the film. They fail to acknowledge the veterinary care provided to them and the fact that Seaworld has rescued thousands of animals over the years. However, the sources do agree with most claims presented by the documentary despite the exaggeration of human importance on whether a whale should be held captive or
Though the film makes very valid points, it's slanted structure and form result in additional questioning of its legitimacy. “Why Blackfish is Misleading, Unoriginal, and Stupid,” an online article written by Melissa A. Smith, uncovers the questionable weaknesses of the film “Blackfish.” Blackfish claims that whales are friendly and respectful towards humans, even want to be companions with them. “In actuality, this juxtaposition is insulting to the true nature of killer whales and even unintentionally puts stock into the idea that trainers have special connections to the animals (a notion that seems to be criticized by the film).(Smith 2016)” The author claims that we over romanticize the idea that whales have a “connection” with us, the effect being whale endangerment. For example, Luna was denied the right to be reintegrated to her pod due to spiritual beliefs upheld by a group, and consequently, she was accidently killed in an attempt to play and communicate with people. The article argues that “Blackfish” over does it with emotional drama. The importance of their connection with us is irrelevant and disrespectful to their life and …show more content…
They present their claims and back up the argument through video clips where whales evidently attack their trainers in a moment of aggression. Their stance is not challenged but criticized for the lack of variety in point of view and one-sidedness that is strongly found throughout the film. They fail to acknowledge the veterinary care provided to them and the fact that Seaworld has rescued thousands of animals over the years. However, the sources do agree with most claims presented by the documentary despite the exaggeration of human importance on whether a whale should be held captive or