A discourse community is made up of a wide range of people that come from all skill levels and walks of life. That being said, leaders and organizations often rise up to guide others and pass along critical knowledge. Snorkeling has many leaders that base their identities on positive principles, but there is one that I am choosing to focus on for the topic of this blog: a famous Australian conservationist by the name of Mr. Steve Irwin.
Now, it must be stated that Mr. Irwin was known for far more than underwater exploration. In addition to being a conservationist, animal lover, and operator of the Australian Zoo, he was the star of the ever-popular television show “The Crocodile Hunter”. Throughout the show, Mr. Irwin would profile different locations, such as the Amazon, Africa, and Antarctica, and expose the viewer to the wildlife found throughout the target area. Quite often, those locations would be underwater, like when he went swimming with tiger sharks off the coast of Australia. What made him such an important figure of my discourse community was the fact that he did everything possible to spread awareness of aquatic ecosystems and animals that inhabited them. Education was his primary focus, as he often theorized that people are more inclined to care about saving something if they see it firsthand. That is why he took as many risks as he did with potentially dangerous animals. Throughout his life, Mr. Irwin taught everyone around him to respect the natural world and to embrace a more sustainable future.
One particularly fond memory was when he jumped from a moving boat into shark-infested waters in order to catch a sea turtle that was swimming nearby. After a quick examination (WHILE STILL IN THE WATER), he released the turtle back on its way and returned to the boat completely unfazed. His courage and passion was certainly praiseworthy. I have watched nearly every episode of “The Crocodile Hunter”, so I am quite familiar with his work. Also, my personal “bucket list” includes getting my photograph taken with the Irwin family bronze statue at the Australia Zoo.
Also, you may have noticed that I have been referring to him in the past tense throughout this blog. His life was tragically cut short when he was killed by a stingray during an Australian dive in 2006, but message still lives on through his wife and children.
On a personal note, I believe that this world has lost one of the most prominent, outspoken conservationists of our era. I am distraught by his death whenever I watch a “Crocodile Hunter” rerun, but I have taken it upon myself to spread his message and continue his work. Through my studies and current career path, I hope to one day impact the world as he did when it comes to conservation of the natural world…even if I have to jump onto a hapless sea turtle to do it.
Rest in peace, Steve-O…your legend will never die. (500 words)
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