Rxn to "Bowling for Columbine"

I think I was most struck by the premise the movie made that we are "a nation of fear". Sadly, I realized that many of the points made did have some merit in today's world. People that are different, new technology, new ways of thinking, all shake the staus quo. Many people reluctantly approach these things with much trepidation, while as the movie pointed out, others just outright fear them. I did however, think the movie was skewed somewhat to justify Moore's own agenda (because there is much good about this nation) but there is no denying that this fear exists.

We mentioned in class discussion that young boys were alongside the militia men and what worries me is that they too will then become the next generation of "citizens in fear". It's self perpetuating.

I too, was struck by what Marilyn Manson said about needing to listen, just listen. I think Coles has the right idea about getting the stories out. Maybe then we can evoke some constructive, thought-provoking dialogue and quite possibly some change in the way Americans and particularly adolescents feel and react (and act out).