While many people went to see Fahrenheit 9/11 this weekend, I finally got around to seeing Bowling for Columbine, the previous, Oscar-winning, documentary produced by Michael Moore. In the movie, Moore explores a number of possible explanations as to why there is so much more gun violence in the USA than in other countries, including the number of guns and exposure to various media (violent video games and music). Some of the oft-cited reasons do not appear very compelling on closer examination, e.g., it appears that we do not have more guns per capita or higher levels of exposure to violent games and music than other countries that enjoy much lower levels of gun violence. However, as highlighted in Moore‘s interviews with Barry Glassner, author of Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things, we do have a much higher level of exposure to violent media via news reporters and politicians in this country, both of whom have much to gain (with respect to gaining attention, market share and/or votes) by promulgating a culture of fear among the population. I do not know yet how much Moore‘s new film focuses on the promulgation of fear, but I suspect we will see ever more fear-mongering as we approach the US presidential election. As a side note, I find it curious that there are so many people — and web sites — out to discredit Moore; I don’t follow film (or other media) closely, but I’m surprised at this level of effort, and reminded of other efforts to discredit people who have expressed views not welcomed by the current administration.