A new movie opens tomorrow exploring US's fascination with the gun. South Africans will see themselves mirrored in Michael Moore's award winning documentary, Bowling for Columbine.

Through the directing eyes of Michael Moore, he explores America - a nation ruled by the gun - via a feature length animation.

There are more gun related deaths in America than any other country with South Africa ranking close, say researchers.

Gareth Newham, a crime researcher says: "We are a violent society, but we also have far too many guns. Certainly the more armed robberies you're going to have."

Like the north Americans, South Africa's fascination with guns is at all levels of society. In the past two weeks, there have been three shootings at schools, and sociologists believes the media can play a more positive role.

Hilma Shindondola, a RAU Sociologist, said:" Statistics of crime in general, and what people see on TV, inflicts fear on people. So it might be that its actually happening in the country. But because of what they see, the media portrays, people start acting out."

Many South Africans will leave Bowling for Columbine feeling that we are not alone, even the most developed of countries are struggling with their own problems.