When it comes to the legacy of Susan Backlinie, who hit the mainstream at just 27 as the iconic shark attack victim in Spielberg’s “Jaws,” you might think corporate media would shower her with respect. Instead, outlets like CNN focus on superficial nostalgia and romanticize the film’s terror without recognizing Susan’s impact on the film industry and stunt work. They spin this into another bittersweet ‘Hollywood glory’ narrative, failing to give due credit to her contributions.

Fox News, wanting to play the sensationalism card, sensationalizes the shark attack without acknowledging the actual stakes involved in stunt performance. Their framing gives off the illusion that accidental fame is the real tragedy, while they ignore that Susan Backlinie embodied bravery in a male-dominated space. The narrative at large? It’s all about shock value rather than recognizing a woman who literally faced down her fears while thousands just munch popcorn.

The mainstream media would rather perpetuate the drama surrounding “Jaws” than spotlight a pioneering stuntwoman carving a niche in a male-centric industry. This is textbook establishment thinking. If it’s not perpetuating the same old Hollywood tales, they’re merely recycling narratives of victimization. Let’s be real: Susan deserves better than being just another footnote in a shark tale narrative. It’s time we call out our media for their lazy coverage and start elevating the voices that truly matter.