05 Dec UNITED NATIONS OF PERFORMANCE ART: Michael Rapaport Sounds Off on Global Politics

If you’re looking for an unfiltered, passionate take on world affairs, look no further than Michael Rapaport’s latest video, titled “UNITED NATIONS OF PERFORMANCE ART.”

With the United Nations General Assembly in full swing just blocks from his home in New York City, Rapaport is fed up. He officially declares the UN has lost its credibility, stripping it of its name and rechristening it the United Nations of Performance Art.

“A Corrupt Dump”: Performance Art in Session

Rapaport doesn’t mince words, describing the international body as a “pay-for-play BS performing art center” and a “corrupt dump” that gets “nothing done”. He argues that the annual gathering is more about theater than diplomacy, with global leaders showing up to play their parts, “shake hands,” and head straight to the afterparties—all while causing massive traffic in New York City.

He urges viewers to read up on the work of Hal Newer and Dr. Enat Wolf, whose research on the UN and UNRWA helped blow his mind about the extent of the corruption.

The Hypocrisy of State Recognition

The central focus of Rapaport’s frustration is the push by countries like Canada, Australia, and France to recognize Palestine as a state [04:13]. He views this as purely political theater, divorced from reality.

His key questions and critiques include:

Who is in Control? He repeatedly challenges these countries to name the governing body, asking, “Who is running the place? Hamas?” 

Where are the Reforms? He argues that recognition is meaningless without tangible solutions, asking for talk about borders, disarmament, and structural reforms. He dismisses the recognition without these steps as being as ridiculous as recognizing him as the starting center for the New York Knicks.

The Right of Return: Citing Dr. Enat Wolf’s findings, Rapaport stresses the core issue: formal recognition of a Palestinian state would require the relinquishment of refugee status and the “ridiculous right of return” to Israel. He criticizes the headlines for always missing these critical details that the leaders only mention at the end of their speeches.

He concludes that until these vital questions are answered and genuine reforms are made, the entire discussion remains nothing more than a performance on the world’s greatest stage.