Colleen Yee

Period 6

For years propaganda has been used to manipulate the public. It takes a one sided opinion
of a controversial matter and uses false facts and lies with intention to harm or damage
another. In Bowling for Columbine Michael Moore tries to point out the propaganda used
by the American media and Government to show they are contributing to the cause of
gun violence in America. Though both the media and the government use propaganda
themselves, Moore has in fact used propaganda to prove his points too throughout his
documentary. Instead of providing the viewer with actual fact and knowledge he misleads
with inaccurate facts and biased opinions.
Glittering generalities are words that provide a positive meaning for individual
subjects that can be compared to that of high value. Usually when the use of glittering
generalities occur, it is not questioned whether it is right nor wrong since it relates to that
of important concepts. In Bowling for Columbine Moore often compares America to our
native northern neighbor Canada.
The most common use of propaganda Michael Moore uses is fear appeal. After the
Columbine shooting occurred Moore claims that the effect of society drove these boys to
such acts. Assuming that both Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold only caused Columbine due
to America now being a “culture of death” is not justified or factual. Moore points out
that Michigan is
Moore points out frequently that America has more child related gun deaths than most
countries in the world. He often puts the blame on children having such easy access to
guns in their home and the world around them.
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/stock/040706
http://shopping.msn.com/reviews.aspx/?itemid=2012763&rrpn=2&rrsb=HELPFULNESS
&rrso=DESC]
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Glittering_generalities
http://bad.eserver.org/reviews/2002/2002-10-15-11.05AM.html