Bowling For Columbine Dialectical Journal

Entry 1: In “Bowling for Columbine”, Michael Moore seems to make a deliberate effort to include footage that portrays a variety of different cultures and backgrounds. From struggling, crime-prone neighborhoods to the secluded, Beverly Hills manor of Charlton Heston, all demographics are represented, though not all in such a positive light. The culture that I identify most with is that of the common, quiet little suburban neighborhood in Littleton, Colorado. Littleton reminds me of my hometown because it is a typical suburban environment and it is just small enough to create a close-knit community but just large enough to still have a few unfamiliar faces. As those interviewed from Littleton at the time of the Columbine attacks stated, it is a relatively normal environment where nothing outrageous or catastrophic ever takes place. From an outsider, Littleton looks like the average, ideal middle-class neighborhood.

Moore is naturally a very opinionated individual and has no problem with expressing his beliefs regardless of whether he offends those around him; in fact, he seems to take some pleasure in directly challenging them. Though Moore is able to depict his strongly held views by narrating the film, viewers who do not agree with his concepts could be quickly and easily turned off to the film due to Moore’s blatant defamation of any ideas that contradict with his.

Moore’s derogatory satire throughout the film when depicting ideas that do not align with his own beliefs can easily be interpreted as offensive and irrational, though I believe this is the effect he is going for. Though Moore seems to causing disruption down to a science, he is equally skilled in editing his footage to support his claim in a more positive, less offensive