It was art. But seriously, Bauer's argument supposes that Michaelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to shamelessly promote Jesus Christ, supposedly a good buddy of Bauer's. I've seen that roof. It had to take a long time to paint. I'd like to think Mikey was simply inspired to paint by his love for God.
Pop culture is created by people to reflect their inner thoughts and emotions.
Love songs don't promote love, they reflect the fact we are all moved by love. And when movies, or songs, or video games show traumatic violence, they are a reflection of the creator's souls. When a child watches or listens to or plays such violence, it is because he identifies with it. Of course, Bauer knows a little himself about promoting questionable values. Fundamentalists such as himself have preached, in varying forms, intolerance for many people over the years.