On a lovely day on a lovely beach on Amity Island, Mayor Larry Vaughn stands in front of the cameras to kick off the Fourth of July festivities. Just days ago, a woman was killed by a shark off the coast of the tourist spot, making many consider avoiding the sandy beaches this year. But Vaughn assures his viewers that everything is fine.

“I’m pleased and happy to repeat the news that we have, in fact, caught and killed a large predator that supposedly injured some bathers,” the mayor tells the cameras, smiling as a gaggle of bathers stand behind him. “But, as you see, it’s a beautiful day, the beaches are open and people are having a wonderful time. Amity, as you know, means ‘friendship.'”

For 50 years, Jaws fans have pointed to this moment as one of the most despicable in the annals o

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