A history of the American wetland : an analysis of sociocultural values and cinematic depictions

Abstract

In the early to mid 1900s the American wetland was considered a forbidden wasteland with the purpose of being dominated by humans. This perception remained dominant throughout the first half of the century and lessened throughout the latter half. In pop culture, this, too, was showcased. The 1954 release of <i>Creature from the Black Lagoon</i> mirrored sociocultural values on the American wetland during and before this decade. When pop culture was popularized in the 1950s, it became clear it had an impactful influence on the general population. However, it is unclear if pop culture exists as a product of human thought, or if it acts as an influencer for sociocultural values. To suggest the latter further, <i>Shrek</i> (2001) reflected the newly-instated admiration for the American wetland that occurred shortly before and during the film’s theatrical release. Between this time, the sociocultural value of the American wetland and the cinematic depictions of wetlands demonstrated changes at similar intervals. Though it is unlikely that film caused a mass change in general perceptions, and federal and state policies, it is clear that cinematic depictions of the landscape had some influence over the sociocultural values on the American wetland.