Ep 5. Invisible Nation

Invisible Nation is the fifth episode of the first season of Klepper. The show follows comedian Jordan Klepper as he dives deep into some of the most pressing issues and absurdities in the United States. In this episode, Klepper sets out to understand and amplify the voices of the people who are often ignored or marginalized in society.

Klepper's journey takes him to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, which is home to the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The reservation has been deeply affected by poverty, addiction, and generational trauma. Klepper meets with tribal members and advocates who are working to improve the quality of life on the reservation and protect their land and culture.

One of the main issues that Klepper explores in this episode is the struggle for clean drinking water on the reservation. Many Oglala Sioux families do not have access to safe and reliable sources of water, and Klepper joins activists as they deliver jugs of water to those in need. Klepper also speaks with residents who describe the physical and emotional toll that living without clean water has taken on their health and wellbeing.

Klepper also devotes time to learning about the ongoing fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which has stirred controversy and anger among Indigenous communities across the country. He talks with pipeline opponents who have been arrested and beaten by law enforcement, and he witnesses a ceremony in which tribal members pray for protection and healing.

Throughout the episode, Klepper reflects on his own privilege and the ways in which he, as a white man, has benefited from systemic racism and injustice. He acknowledges that the issues facing the Oglala Sioux Tribe and other Indigenous communities are not new, but rather a continuation of centuries of oppression and colonialism.

Invisible Nation is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of Klepper, one that shines a light on an often-overlooked part of American society. By giving voice to the people of the Pine Ridge Reservation and the larger Indigenous community, Klepper brings attention to the urgent needs and pressing issues that demand our attention and action. With its trademark mix of humor and compassion, Klepper offers a unique perspective on the challenges facing our country and the ways in which we can work together to build a more equitable and just society.