Americans: Do you take the U.N seriously? page

[YogaBare]

I can't remember who wrote it, but a week or so ago I read a post from someone saying that Americans don't take the U.N seriously.

Personally I don't take anything in politics seriously, but I'm curious if this is the general consensus among Americans and if so, why?

[Richard Seekins]

I'm not convinced the UN take America seriously either

[eKatherine]

Most Americans are mostly apathetic about the UN. It seems vaguely un-American.

[Karock]

I don't.
For the most part, it seems like a US funded (largest contributor, by percentage) stage for a lot of places to come over, get up, grandstand about how we should have our money spent for us, and then patted on the back.
Do good things come out of it? Sure. Are they an effective method of 'world management'? I don't think so. (for instance, see today's news out of N. Korea).
I don't have all the answers, and maybe this is the best we can do at this time, but a lot of the time it seems like they mostly just justify their hands into other's pocketbooks or threaten bullies with wet noodles.

[magicmerl]

I don't.
For the most part, it seems like a US funded (largest contributor, by percentage) stage for a lot of places to come over, get up, grandstand about how we should have our money spent for us, and then patted on the back.
Do good things come out of it? Sure. Are they an effective method of 'world management'? I don't think so. (for instance, see today's news out of N. Korea).
I don't have all the answers, and maybe this is the best we can do at this time, but a lot of the time it seems like they mostly just justify their hands into other's pocketbooks or threaten bullies with wet noodles.

Except for when you need to cajole together a 'coalition' for your next war, you mean?

[Karock]

Except for when you need to cajole together a 'coalition' for your next war, you mean?

Don't put words in my mouth, make assumptions on my behalf, or use my words for your own agenda please.

[tzulogic]

Which americans? We are divided into quite a few demographics and classes. Most of the Americans I know would not give a flying **** about the U.N. They are more concerned about their jobs, social life, maybe where they'll get their next meal. Their next beer, or cigarette, or joint. Maybe they'll gossip and then go watch T.V.

Before you berate me, this is a generalization which allows exceptions (for exceptions are numerous.) This is basically my experience. The average American does not want the American "Dream" to fade. The illusion suits them just fine. I almost envy them.

[namelesswonder]

I don't know anything about the U.N., basically.

I would agree that most Americans seem primarily focused on domestic/immediate/local issues.

[RichMahogany]

<--- This American takes nothing seriously.

[joe2.0]

Take serious in terms of what? In a nation the size of the US with it's dominance in terms of economic and military might, the UN doesn't have a lot of relevance. That just means that in countries that depend on foreign aid or have a lot of human rights issues, they likely have a larger role. In terms of their ability to discipline--we aren't the target there but we're not fond of being told what to do or someone questioning our motives in world events. The ideal of UN sanctions against the US would be seen as ridiculous and unwarranted and we'd probably run them out of the country.

I'm sure a lot of American's and others see the US as the world's police force in that we are always getting involved in various situations around the globe. Some would probably prefer the UN take on that role instead but few would have any confidence in their ability to do that or trust that they would act accordingly. Terrorism and nuclear build up certainly continues despite ineffective efforts by the UN for example.

My perception though is no one takes them all that seriously, not just those in the US. It's just a cool place to tour while in NYC...