We are a gladiator nation.

A nation of voyeurs who passively watch people on television perform for us but who aren't actors. At least, that's not their actual profession.

Yet they perform for us. They act like stereotypes. They're that part of ourselves that we dread and that we revel in but don't dare show, either out of embarrasment or politeness. They show us their most venal sides and we lap it up and demand more.

More! Entertain us!

And the performers whore themselves out becoming famous for being famous.  The last one on the island on "Survivor." Snooki from "Jersey Shore." And let's not forget those "Teen Moms."

It sickens us, reminds us of what is wrong in today's pop culture. Yet the ratings are sky high so we're all watching in private as we ridicule it in public.

A mob mentality. Is it any wonder that we react that way to the Republican debates? We wait to see which candidates will say the most bizarre things. The most vile things. The audience loves every minute of it and the ante is upped, each debate has to top the last and every candidate has to make even more outrageous comments.

We've lost our sense of compassion. We're so jaded. We're only maintaining a thinly veiled sense of civility and it's only a matter of time until these "reality shows" are not enough for us anymore.

We'll need something newer. Shinier. More bizarre, because we have the attention span of a dead gnat.

And I know just what that next show will be:

"Black Friday!"

Watch as a lady uses pepper spray to mark her territory for Xboxes.  Cheer as shoppers fight over a $3.00 waffle iron. Laugh at the tents in the electronic stores while potential shoppers wait for 50% discounts on HDTVs.

It's guerilla warfare and the one who leaves the store alive wins all the merchandise!

I bet that show will be the number one TV show within one week.

What do you think?