Diana Tran

Mr. Geraghty

HRE4MI-01

December 09, 2014

Bowling for Columbine Critical Reflection

In most dictionaries, violence is defined as a force that is intended to hurt,

damage, and even kill someone or something. With the introduction of guns in
society, the potential to harm and the degree in which one can inflict harm has
increased. Whether it is an innate part of human nature, or a behaviour that is learnt
through one’s environment, violence, has existed since the beginning of humanity-
and this is proven to be true as everyday, new weapons and arms-instruments of
violence, are being developed and used. If such violence is a universal, human
experience, then what accounts for the significantly different rates of crimes and
deaths that occur in different countries? In the documentary, Bowling for
Columbine, Michael Moore, explores the potential underlying causes of the violent
nature of the United States in connection to guns.

Through video recordings of events, interviews with victims and witnesses of

crimes, as well as statistics, the sense of an aggressive and violent-driven America
can be felt. These different forms of evidence clearly contrast the Catholic Social
Teachings and violate the fundamental rights of human beings and their God-given
dignity. For example, during one part of the documentary, a montage of different
wars and government overthrows, show tens to hundreds of thousands to even
millions, of innocent civilians dying as a result of active American participation and
attacks. This scene not only shows the hypocrisy of the states, but also the Culture of
Death-especially in regards to the 3rd characteristic- Violence and Militarism.
Another scene that profoundly illustrates the prevalence of violence is an interview
that Moore has with a victim of the Columbine shooting. She recalls being held at
gunpoint, having to beg the shooter not to kill her. Her fundamental right to life and
dignity was violated because the ability to exist shouldn’t be something you have to
plead for from another person. Statistics also show that the states has a significantly
high ratio of gun-related deaths per year, (3.601/100,000), compared to other first
world countries which range from (0.030/100,000) to (0.484/100,000).

Michael Moore’s analysis of gun violence is very effectively expressed. His

points are even further convincing and reinforced through his usage of film editing,
visuals and music. The different forms of media such as cartoon segments, montages
and interviews helped me to see the problem through different lenses. And the
usage of humor and sarcasm kept me engaged and entertained. Music was used
effectively, as it helped make situations more serious and emotional where needed.
After further reflecting upon the documentary, I agree with Moore’s analysis.
Although it is not directly or implicitly stated, through the evidence he finds, Michael
Moore seems to draw up the conclusion that a lot what stems from the gun violence
(as well as many other problems such as prejudice) is ignorance and fear. When
compared to countries like Canada, America seems to be extremely fixated on
creating a society driven by fear; fear of death, failure and embarrassment.
Investment in arms and militia instead of social care structures, causes US citizens
to be vulnerable to their fundamental needs like education and health care. The
media overreacts to issues that may not be as harmful as they are portrayed to be.
This causes its citizens to become a part of the Culture of Death, using violence,
investing in arms as a means of defense and having a individualistic and
consumerist mindset. Combined with ignorance; prejudices for certain racial groups
and their “potential” to be dangerous or criminals, and a government system that
seems to not justly care for its minority citizens creates a nation filled with a lot of
aggression, hate and viciousness.

Although this issue of gun violence seems to be extremely difficult to

handle; I believe there are ways of reducing the number of causalities in the states
as well as making sure other countries do not fall in the same footsteps of the US.
One way is through creating campaigns and peaceful protests, as the parents, family
and friends of the students and victims of the Columbine Shooting arranged. By
informing others of the dangers and consequences of using arms, people may have a
second thought about purchasing one, and the risks associated with it. Talking,
boycotting or petitioning can also make a difference. An effective example of this is
when two victims of the Columbine Shooting, who suffered injuries from bullets sold
from K-Mart, went to the retail store’s headquarters to ask the executives to stop
selling ammunition.

The United States has a violent culture, and this is seen through the
aggressive experiences that their own citizens face due to the gun laws and through
the violence that they use against other countries. This sense of violence is increased
and heightened media and governmental manipulation to create a society that is
rooted in the Culture of death and in fear, paranoia and ignorance. However, there is
hope. By encouraging others to live a Culture of Life, based on solidarity, and respect
for human dignity and life; through peaceful protest, petitioning, and awareness
campaigns; as the documentary, Bowling for Columbine proves, it is possible to
reduce the violence and make a difference.