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EDITOR TO MERMAID
Mermaids AREN’T
LET’S GET REAL
ABOUT MERMAIDS
BY: PATRICIA PASTRANO ©2021 by Patricia Pastrano
‘MERMAIDS ARE REAL.’
A statement said all the time in the world of
mermaids.
Most often, it is seen as inviting, positive, and
supporting. But, for others, the statement is
offensive and blasphemous.
Our world today does have mermaids.
However, there are many types of mermaids
not within the current definition, a constrained
definition based on cultural myths and
legends dating back to the first written
accounts of humanity. We are thousands
of years past the origination of these fables
and stories. With a need to protect the past
and reflect the current world’s existence of
mermaids, here are some of the different
perspectives I have been introduced to that
maybe warrant additional definitions for
mermaids.
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real????
Mermaids are defined as mythological
creatures, half fish, half-human, usually a
woman with long flowing hair. However,
through my experiences swimming in
this world of mermaids, there needs to be
some different versions of the definition of
‘mermaid.’
SCIENCE
From the scientific perspective, mermaids
are not really based on the current
definition. There has been no scientific
proof that mermaids are real. There are
‘mockumentaries’ that have plagued the
scientific world. This creates a challenge
because it distracts from the fact-based
information they need to communicate.
Their audiences want to focus on the ‘facts’
they saw in the documentaries instead
of their fact-based messages. To further
add, abundant speculation exists that the
documentaries are, in fact, mockumentaries,
documentaries that contain fictitious subject
matter: subjects and established experts and
organizations.
COSPLAY
Cosplay is defined as dressing up as a
character. Mermaids are often assumed to
be cosplayers. A natural categorization is
that mermaids are people that put on a tail
and think they are real mermaids. Mermaid
cosplayers appreciate the mermaid world and
all the artistic uniqueness they can indulge in
their character.
ENTERTAINMENT
Professional entertainers don fabric and/
or silicone mermaid tails to perform for
audiences everywhere. Treating their
spectators with mesmerizing performances
underwater or on land, the demand for
mermaid entertainers is growing.
With their beautiful and majestic underwater
performances, merfolk can be found
mesmerizing onlookers at aquariums, casinos,
renaissance fairs, bars, dive centers, and other
venues around the world. On land, they can
be found fully immersed in their mersona
(mermaid persona). Whether performing
for children of all ages, they enchant their
audiences at conventions, festivals, parties,
resorts, and various other settings.
EDUCATORS
Professionals with degrees and doctorates
use their mermaid platforms to engage
audiences of all ages in conservation
education. As a bridge between land and
water, mermaid educators are an innovative
way to join the magic and fantasy and fiction
with facts and science to educate our youth.
ENTHUSIASTS/HOBBYISTS
Collection of merfolk that just want to be
a mermaid! In recent decades, it seems
there has been a mermaid to inspire each
generation. With the likes of Daryl Hannah,
Ariel, Aquamarine, or Mako Mermaids, there
are several motivational figures to choose
from.
Enthusiast mermaids are generally
recreational in nature. They may enjoy some
or all the things that mermaiding offers. Some
reap the rewards of improved physical health
from all the swimming they do. Others value
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the opportunities to have quality time with
families and loved ones in a fun, positive, and
inclusive environment through DIY projects,
conservation education, and awareness and
exercise. Enthusiast mers can be found in
community meetups, conservation activities,
mingling on social media, and spreading the
magic of mermaids.
OCEAN AMBASSADORS
The sirens of the seas are passionate about
their oceans. Active in spreading awareness
of an urgent need to take better care of the
Earth’s waters. Advocating positive changes
for positive future generations can enjoy
the oceans and waters we love. Freshwater
mermaids and saltwater mermaids combine
their voices to encompass all waters of the
world.
REAL MERMAIDS
Mermaids are not just a simple definition of
half-fish and half-human beings. Mermaids
are amazing living, breathing beings that
possess a spirit. A spirit that is advocating for
the biodiversity needs of our oceans while
safely swimming in beautiful fish-like tails
and creating a positive, inclusive community
that supports one another in an enchantingly
magical and uniquely beautiful way.
Hannah Mermaid puts it best in her TEDx Talk:
Turning Fantasy Into Reality. Hannah Fraser
described how simply it could be defined.
The combination of MER, meaning ‘of the
sea’ and MAID, meaning ‘servant,’ leads us to
the definition of a mermaid at its most basic.
Mermaids are the servants of the Sea.
At the end of the day, I realize there are always
different perspectives to be had in every
situation. With unique needs, environments,
and points of view, it can be argued whether
or not mermaids are real.
I know based on what I know and what I have
seen, servants of the Sea are real.
I have found them. I am one. I am a mermaid.
Until next time…………
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