"Whales R Us"

WS 2, 3, 4 and EI 1

In the article, "Whales R Us," author Jayme Stayer calls Sea World out and reveals that it is extremely fake and certainly not a place of education, contrary to what they promote. He points out different elements about the part, like the teenage employees and scripted lines for example, and uses this to argue the fact that it is not a place of education but rather a place to receive false information and amusement. Stayer uses counterargument in his paper to further support his claims. For example, in paragraph 25, Stayer points out that Sea World was actually incorrect in their premise of Jaws. He argues that events in Florida have shown that sharks actually will attack idle swimmers, unlike what Sea World teaches. He further goes on to say that if they can't get their basic facts straight then how do we know what to believe. Furthermore, Stayer also uses Sea World to make broader points about American Culture. He writes, "Sea World is a reflection of American culture: a consequence, not a cause; a mirror of consumerist desires, not a promoter of political change via education." In addition he adds that Sea World reflects American traits such as gullibility and irrationality. Overall, Stayer uses Sea World to promote the idea that American culture tends to ignore the true beauty of nature by covering it up with false amusement.