Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine opens up a whole new world to the audience, and allows them to learn and understand social issues. Moore uses rhetorical techniques like ethos to inform his audience and convince them of the importance of gun control. Moore uses his background knowledge as a narrator to build trust and credibility, making it easier for him to persuade the audience. Moore juxtaposes Canada and America in order to show how fear mongering is used by media outlets, resulting in a need for guns.
Michael Moore, the author of Bowling for Columbine explores gun control as a social issue by using his credibility to be the narrator. Moore’s knowledge about guns helps him persuade his audience. He begins the film by establishing his past and childhood. He explains that he grew up in Michigan with a lot of guns and won an award from the National Rifle Association. Moore said “This is my first gun. It was so exciting to shoot everyone in the neighbourhood”. This quote shows Moore’s familiarity with guns. He even likes them. But he still has strong views on gun controls. Moore uses prior gun knowledge to enhance his credibility and value as a speaker. Moore’s credibility allows him to easily convince an audience that he supports gun control. Moore stated in an interview with CNN that “we need gun-control laws passed immediately” and that he would not leave the country. Moore shows his willingness to change the situation and protest it, which in turn builds audience trust. Moore joins two Columbine survivors to protest K-Mart’s sale of 9mm cartridges near the end. He interviews and speaks with the Director at K-Mart. His actions show that he has a heart and cares about the issue. The audience will be more trusting of him as he gains credibility. Moore can connect to the audience better once he gains their trust. Moore will be able to use his knowledge and then start to convince the audience. Moore’s text Bowling for Columbine allows the audience to understand the gun control issue before Moore explores his opinions and ideas on how to solve this problem. Moore succeeds in gaining credibility by showing his understanding of the issue, while also keeping the film entertaining and informative. It allows him the opportunity to show the audience another side of life. Moore uses pathos towards the end of the movie to show that the media instills fear among the public. Moore compares Canadians and Americans to show how Canadian media doesn’t sensationalize events. This limits gun violence, fear and other negative effects. The contrast between Canada and America shows how American media incites fear, without any explanation or reason, yet people react and still believe that guns are the best way to stay safe. Moore plays clips from American media describing the dangers of a number of things such as the Y2K virus, killer bees, and razors in Halloween candies. Media faked all these events to instill fear among the populace. Moore examines the Canadian Media to see that it doesn’t promote fear. Moore’s reaction is “night after day, Canadians didn’t feel fear-filled”. Moore also dispels popular misconceptions on why Canadians have a lower rate of violence. These include the belief that Canadians watch less violent movies or are more likely to be white. Moore uses these facts to compare the media in Canada and America. Moore shows that Canadians continue to be gun lovers, but are also similar to Americans. Moore connects emotionally with the audience when he uses pathos. This is because the audience is now more aware of the problem and wants to be educated. Moore can use Canada and America to create an effective juxtaposition by establishing a strong emotional connection. Moore uses this to educate the audience about media-induced fear. This text Bowling for Columbine has been formatted so that Moore can inform and educate the audience before presenting ideas and changing their perspective. Moore uses emotion to engage the audience and inform them.
Michael Moore uses rhetorical approaches in Bowling for Columbine in order to inform, and then persuade his audience. Moore employs ethos to explore the gun control issue, gain trust and credibility and present his ideas effectively. As he compares Canada to America, Moore uses his pathos technique to emotionally connect to the audience. Michael Moore uses rhetorical arguments to educate and convince the audience of social issues.
