The "Blackfish Effect" Part 2: Active Support Base

     The preliminary, foundational component of the Blackfish Effect stems from the existence of an active base of support for the cause and issue. Several animal rights organizations have raised awareness of SeaWorld’s unethical practices in the past, and so when the release of Blackfish was announced, groups like the Oceanic Preservation Society and PETA jumped to its support. Not only did these nonprofits issue statements of public praise, but they also actively campaigned for the film and initiated their own sub-movements among their supporters. Not only did organizations like these bolster Blackfish’s publicity, but they also advanced the movement by using the film as a catalyst for the continuous campaign to convince SeaWorld to remedy its wrongful ways. In addition to support from animal rights activists, Blackfish also garnered widespread acclaim among celebrities. And in modern America, the vocal approval of multiple celebrities is a key component to successful outreach. Our takeaway? In order to achieve utmost success, any sort of social movement seeking specific change should first make sure that an eager base of supporters stands ready to embrace and then expand the desired message.