In recent discussions, President Donald. J Trump has recently vocalized his desire to start the “United States Patriot Game”. The concept involves a four-day athletic challenge in which two students, one male and one female, from each state or U.S. territory would compete as part of a celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Supporters frame the idea as a way to encourage patriotism and excellence among young Americans.

However, many Millennials and Gen Z individuals have drawn comparisons between the proposed “Patriot Games” and The Hunger Games, the 2012 dystopian film based on Suzanne Collins’ novel. In the movie, one male and one female from each district are forced into a government-run competition for public entertainment. While the real-world proposal does not involve violence, the structure and symbolism have been enough to raise concerns, especially online, where young people have expressed discomfort with the idea of youth being used as political or national symbols. 

So what do you think? Are we in the Hunger Games? Will your friend, sibling, son, or daughter be a part of it?