Laying down a Foundation for Cross-cultural Discussions of the Film Bowling for Columbine

This paper provides a short analysis of the award-winning film Bowling for Columbine for the purpose of laying down a foundation for cross-cultural discussions of the issues arising in this film. It is left to the individual instructor to determine the properly related cross-cultural issues and to further a discussion as based upon the given individual circumstances. After all, only the classroom practitioner knows the level and particular needs of her or his students. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis which can be a foundation for such discussions. This paper focuses on the following three major themes in the film: (1) the unique gun culture of America, (2) the affect of the mainstream news media, and (3) the affect of ostracism (or wangtta in Korean) upon school life. Also, interlaced with all of these themes is the element of fear and its affect on society. There is some overlap between the first two themes. However, the first theme searches for the answer to the central question in the film as to why there is so much gun-related violence in America. The answer, the film suggests, lies possibly with the news media. Yet, the film never draws a definitive conclusion. The second theme focuses more on the inner workings of the news media, and also introduces the concept of "moral panic" as a means of understanding how this media works. The last theme offers the instructor the chance to raise issues that may be discussed on a more personal level. As is well known, ostracism in school life is an important problem in Asia. Finally, by utilizing the special nature of the film with its powerful visual effects, the instructor has the opportunity to present to the student a perspective of America not often seen. This can branch off into how the issues so raised are common to human society, and the instructor can then further discussions into related topics deemed relevant.