Bigfoot in the Media
Cryptozooolgy, defined as the study of hidden animals is widely acknowledged as one of the oldest conspiracy theories, starting with mentions of the Loch Ness Monster and Sasquatch. These have been passed by word of mouth for years, but more and more recently, television and the internet has allowed these stories to be widely seen by thousands of people. Examples of these are the shows like Conspiracy Theory (truTV) and Finding BigFoot (Animal Planet). These television shows allow more people to view the conspiracies while only viewing one side of the theory, that of the believer. There are three main conspiracies that I will be focusing on, starting with the search for Big Foot(s).
Known by many names, whether it be Sasquatch, Bigfoot, or Yeti, they are widely acknowledged as one of the most prominent legends in the continental United States. According to The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, there have been multiple sightings across the United States, most commonly in states with a larger percentage of rural areas. This allows the mystery to expand under the premise of "we haven't searched thoroughly enough." This is a pretense that many people who are searching for this mythical cryptid.
I mentioned the show "Finding Big Foot " produced by Animal Planet. It premiered in May 2011, and has contracts for production of four seasons. It has maintained strong ratings for its time on the air, rating in the top three for ratings on the entire Animal Planet network. This show is based on one of the largest conspiracies and cryptids, and also receives the most views based on the shows annual numbers.
This show is funded by Animal Planet and has allowed the cast & crew to travel to multiple continents and remote locations in an attempt to find the elusive cryptid creature. In two seasons of filming, the crew has traveled to Australia's Outback, across rural areas in the United States, through the wilderness in Northern Canada and even across the ocean to Indonesia. With the production costs adding up, one may start to wonder on what they are really looking for; living proof of Big Foot or the entertainment of the search for them.
I mentioned the show "Finding Big Foot " produced by Animal Planet. It premiered in May 2011, and has contracts for production of four seasons. It has maintained strong ratings for its time on the air, rating in the top three for ratings on the entire Animal Planet network. This show is based on one of the largest conspiracies and cryptids, and also receives the most views based on the shows annual numbers.
This show is funded by Animal Planet and has allowed the cast & crew to travel to multiple continents and remote locations in an attempt to find the elusive cryptid creature. In two seasons of filming, the crew has traveled to Australia's Outback, across rural areas in the United States, through the wilderness in Northern Canada and even across the ocean to Indonesia. With the production costs adding up, one may start to wonder on what they are really looking for; living proof of Big Foot or the entertainment of the search for them.
There have been hundreds of supposed sightings in the United States, many fabricated or a hoax, but some that may just be common mistakes. A lack of information or poor camera quality may be a result in less conclusive evidence. The ever increasing amount of technology in our generation and the accessibility of that media allows more and more videos and information to be viewed by mass audiences.Along with the ability to fabricate these videos, comment sections of YouTube videos allow more believers to communicate with one another. With some of these videos compiling tens of millions of hits, and thousands of comments, increasing contact between the people who believe in these cryptids.
Recently, there was a YouTube video posted of a sighting in Provo Canyon, Utah. It's a popular tourist location for backpackers, hikers and campers. This is where most sightings of Bigfoot are heard of; in rural, backwoods areas that are not frequently traveled. This gives an aura of invulnerability to the subject because of the ability to say we haven't searched enough. As in many of these sightings, the camera happens to turn away from the animal/person/bear at the last moment. With quite a lot of these, it seems as though even it is the twenty-first century, people can't afford to take a picture of one of the most impressive discoveries in human history in high definition. If you want to prove the existence of these cryptids, invest in a Nikon before you go Bigfoot hunting.
Due to the constant publicity of Bigfoot sightings and it's re-invigorated, "Finding Bigfoot" spurred, the tourism industry has been benefiting in places like Utah, Arizona, and Wyoming, these are all places that the show has visited recently.
Recently, there was a YouTube video posted of a sighting in Provo Canyon, Utah. It's a popular tourist location for backpackers, hikers and campers. This is where most sightings of Bigfoot are heard of; in rural, backwoods areas that are not frequently traveled. This gives an aura of invulnerability to the subject because of the ability to say we haven't searched enough. As in many of these sightings, the camera happens to turn away from the animal/person/bear at the last moment. With quite a lot of these, it seems as though even it is the twenty-first century, people can't afford to take a picture of one of the most impressive discoveries in human history in high definition. If you want to prove the existence of these cryptids, invest in a Nikon before you go Bigfoot hunting.
Due to the constant publicity of Bigfoot sightings and it's re-invigorated, "Finding Bigfoot" spurred, the tourism industry has been benefiting in places like Utah, Arizona, and Wyoming, these are all places that the show has visited recently.