Spectacular Nature: Corporate Culture and the Sea World Experience

by Susan G. Davis

Book Overview

This is the story of Sea World, a theme park where the wonders of nature are performed, marketed, and sold. With its trademark star, Shamu the killer whale-as well as performing dolphins, pettable sting rays, and reproductions of pristine natural worlds-the park represents a careful coordination of shows, dioramas, rides, and concessions built around the theme of ocean life. Susan Davis analyzes the Sea World experience and the forces that produce...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520209818
• ISBN13: 9780520209817
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating History

What an education this book provides! Who knew how many ways there were to co-opt a society? I just thought the anthropomorphizing of animals at SeaWorld was offensive. And I wasn't particularly happy about the living beer-commercial aspect of it all either. But I had no idea of the historical and political context of all of this posturing. Alongside Cadillac Desert (Marc Reisner) you can get a very thorough understanding of this strange megalopolis of Southern California.

Cuts through the kitsch like a deathwatch beetle

A devastating deconstruction of Sea World that gives jagged substance to the nagging feeling of dislocation and coercion that most of us feel when we are in a corporate theme park. Its also a handbook for rescuing environmentalism from greenwashers and the corporate media. Finally, its a sustained hymn of pure hatred and contempt, and everyone loves to read abuse. Enjoy!