Michael Moore’s outstanding documentary, ‘Bowling for Columbine’ takes a look at the question, why is there so much violence in America? Beginning with the school shooting in Columbine, Moore takes us on a journey into the cause of such dastardly deeds in our country. What are the influences that contribute to mindless killings? Is it rock music, access to firearms,VideoGames or Movies?

Canadians listen to all the latest music from the US, watch the same Hollywood movies we do, and have the easy access to firearms that we have. Most violent video games come from Japan. Yet both these countries have only a fraction of the gun related crimes that the US has.Is it our violent past History that causes us to kill our own? Well, Germany had a violent History too. Yet,it has only a few gun related deaths.

These are some of the arguments Moore presents. However, he comes down pretty hard on two organizations, the Media and the NRA. That he claims the Media has built into us a paranoia for imminent violence surprized me considering his well known liberal views and the ‘well known fact’ that all media is liberal. Moore claims that the news media in the US has a tendecy to focus on violence, particularly gun related deaths than on other kinds of news. He also claims that it portrays Black males in a bad light.

The allegation that the right to carry firearms is the biggest culprit for increased murders was more like Moore. One on the highlights in the film is a hard hitting interview with NRA President Charlton Heston. His interviews with some crazed people who talk about the government as dictatorial and that it was a citizen’s right to stand up to anarchy are chilling.His interview of an executive at Lockheed is quite interesting. The film ends on a strong positive note that we can make a difference.

This is an important film that must be seen by teens and adults. Rightfully, it has been included in many school curriculums. Watching and discussing this movie will produce interesting and important viewpoints. (As it depicts disturbing scenes of violence and adult situaions, it not recommended for minors.)

Rajiv’s View: Recommended for all adults, educational and maybe even uplifting.