Bowling for Columbine: A Synopsis

Bowling For Columbine: A Synopsis

Michael Moore's film Bowling For Columbine presents interesting perspectives on the social climate in the United States. In his film, Moore seeks answers to the question of why there is significantly higher gun violence in the United States as compared to other countries. The answer is not simple or single faceted; Moore's film illustrates how gun violence can be attributed to many factors including accessibility, misplaced national and social priorities, and media emphasis on violence (Moore, 2002).

The second amendment of the United States Constitution gives all citizens the right to bear arms. In the early years of our country, this right was understood to be for single shot rifles used for hunting and self-protection. Over the years, however, technologies in firearms have grown and there now are weapons capable of rapidly firing numerous rounds of ammunition. These more sophisticated weapons, along with the ease of ownership, make it easier for anyone to obtain guns capable of great destruction (Moore, 2002).

Retailers that nearly everyone patronizes on a regular basis sell these types of firearms and ammunition. Bullets purchased at a Kmart were used in the Columbine High School shooting that left fourteen students and a teacher dead, and several more severely injured. In his documentary, Moore and two of the injured Columbine students go to Kmart headquarters in Troy, Michigan and ask Kmart to stop selling ammunition for the types of handguns used in the Columbine shooting. Kmart surpassed their expectations and agreed to phase out the sale of all handgun ammunition (Moore, 2002). Their willingness to take the high road and do what was morally right without regard to possible loss of revenue was impressive. As a national retailer struggling to stay in the black, Kmart was probably not in any position to make any cuts to potential revenue, and yet, chose to do so.

Moore's film also demonstrates throughout its duration the misplaced priorities that have taken shape over the years in our nation. From repeated bombings in other countries who pose little or no threat to our homeland to forcing welfare mothers to work and leave young children home alone, it is apparent that our society has misplaced and misjudged the importance of values and integrity (Moore, 2002). The United States of America would do more for their reputation as the wealthiest and strongest nation in the world if it were to use its resources to feed and clothe the impoverished of the world instead of bombing those countries whose ideals are not in cohesion with the United States'. Additionally, when programs such as the welfare-to-work program are put into place, all aspects of the program must be considered. Sending a mother to work for her welfare benefits may aid taxpayers, but it severely hinders the secure moral development of any children left at home alone for lengthy periods of time (Moore). Our nation would do itself a better service of focusing their concern on the development of the children who will one day be our future. Failing to consider the welfare children in these programs is a grave oversight by any state or agency that has implemented them.

Another important point made in Moore's film is