Rhetorical Analysis of Bowling for Columbine

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Rhetorical Situation

“Bowling for Columbine is a 2002 American documentary film written, produced, directed, and narrated by Michael Moore,” a filmmaker known for sometimes outrageous satires and goofy investigative journalism. “The film explores what Moore suggests are the causes for the Columbine High School massacre in 1999 and other acts of violence with guns. Moore focuses on the background and environment in which the massacre took place and some common public opinions and assumptions about related issues. The film also looks into the nature of violence in the United States.”

The film brought Moore international attention as a rising filmmaker and won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, the Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary Feature, a special 55th Anniversary Prize at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival[2] and the César Award for Best Foreign Film.[3]

The film basically asks: why is American gun violence so high? Why are Americans shooting each other?

Rhetorical Stance

Look at first few scenes. We know this filmmaker is questioning the status quo, with some contempt or at least humor , amazement—all of which prepares us for what is to come.

  • Film clips from 50s.
  • Visual juxtapositions
  • Somewhat cartoonish look at “normal America” or normal American day.
  • Shots/dialogue which emphasize hypocrisy, absurdity.

Claims

American gun violence is the worst in the world….

Not because we have a violent past.

Not because of violent rock artists or video games.

Not because we have so many guns and they are so easily obtained (even in banks!).

  1. Becausemedia promote a culture of fear. Doesn’t even see the stark poverty and disrepair of Michigan.
  2. Because consumerism promotes a culture of fear. Manson: we’re kept constantly afraid so that we’ll consume.
  3. Because we have terrible class and race inequities.
  4. Because our own government sets a brutal example.
  5. Because we have a blind and/or hypocritical corporate system. (Seemingly nice Lockheed guy standing there talking about how awful Columbine was with huge missiles behind him.)

Thesis

American gun violence is the worst in the world for five, sometimes surprising, reasons.

Appeals

Ethos

  • A member of NRA, grew up with guns, even won awards for shooting.
  • Credentials from Roger and Me. Film awards.
  • Tends to listen quite sincerely. (?)
  • Normal guy, farm hat, casual clothes and manner.
  • Shows his own sensitivity via camera-work, point of view.
  • Does give opposition a chance to defend themselves.

Pathos

  • Shots of people crying.
  • Sources with first-hand knowledge of gun tragedy.
  • Cops.
  • Gentle (?) shots of/conversations with gun nuts, provoking fear.
  • Visual juxtapositions, old footage.
  • Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”

Logos

  • Statistics, numbers.
  • Sources which hang themselves.
  • Deductive reasoning. Principle of racial inequality, media-hyped up fear, etc.
  • Personal experience.

Type of Issue

  • Substantiation (comparing stats, looking at facts)
  • Interpretation. Social results have multiple, complex causes.