The American: A Dystopian Game Show Disguised as Patriotism
By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
From where I sit in Canada, I can hardly believe the headlines anymore. The U.S.—a nation that once inspired people with its ideals of freedom and justice—is now floating an idea so dystopian it sounds like a cruel joke: a reality TV show where immigrants compete in challenges for a shot at citizenship.
Yes, this is real. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is actually reviewing a pitch for a show called The American. Twelve immigrants. One train. Cross-country competitions. The prize? A fast-track to U.S. citizenship.
They say it's not The Hunger Games.
But what else do you call a game show that turns survival and dignity into entertainment?
Let’s be clear: this isn't about celebrating immigration. This is about exploitation.
This is about turning human lives—desperate lives—into a ratings war.
And it comes at a time when Donald Trump is once again toying with power. This is the man who, according to reports, wanted a “migrant fight league.” A sick gladiator fantasy where people fleeing poverty and war could beat each other bloody for the pleasure of spectators.
This isn't entertainment. This is moral collapse.
Immigrants are not contestants. They are human beings. They are our neighbours, our co-workers, our friends. Many risk everything for a chance to live free from terror, corruption, and hunger. And now? Now they might be forced to prove themselves by running obstacle courses or performing stunts, while the world watches for sport?
The fact that this idea even made it to DHS review is chilling.
What message does this send to the world? That America no longer values humanity—only spectacle?
From this side of the border, it’s getting harder and harder to watch. The U.S. is spiraling into a grotesque parody of itself. And those of us who still believe in dignity, empathy, and justice must speak up.
No border is high enough to keep out this sickness of spirit.
It’s time to call it what it is: barbaric.
Not patriotic.
Not noble.
Not “American.”
Just cruel.
Poem: The Game of Lives
They stand at the gate, their dreams in hand,
Not warriors—just souls from a burning land.
They don’t ask for riches or medals or fame,
Just mercy, a bed, and a legal name.
But here come the cameras, the flashing lights,
Turning hardship and hope into Friday night fights.
“Compete,” they are told. “Show us you care—
Prove you belong in the land of the fair.”
The train rolls by, red, white, and cruel,
Asylum and freedom now part of a duel.
Jump through the hoops, run faster, don’t cry—
Or the nation of freedom will wave you goodbye.
This isn’t a game—it’s a shame wrapped in flags,
With billionaires watching from gold-plated bags.
The Statue of Liberty hides in her veil,
Ashamed that her torch has flickered and failed.
But I see you, brave hearts, I hear your fight—
You don’t need a stage to prove your right.
You belong not because you compete, but because you dream—
And no government show should dare to demean.
Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
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