First World Problem

[Deleted]

I have noticed people prefacing their problems with it being a 'first-world problem'. Why is that? Are we not allowed to be irritated about assholes and jerkwads, no matter which part of the world we live in? Do we have to excuse our irritations or sicknesses just because we have clean tap water and aren't suffering from the bubonic plague?

Sure there are people in the world who have problems that are infinitely more serious that any problem that most of us have, but I feel like we should be able to complain about it regardless. It isn't like we are a bunch of spoiled socialites who are complaining because daddy made us get a $75,000 car instead of an $80,000 car.

Is it a guilt thing? I just don't understand the need to mention it being a first-world problem. I don't know why that phrase gets on my nerves! I feel like it diminishes the problems that people have and makes them feel guilty that they aren't having 'real' problems. Sorry for this rant!

[fernane]

They are just funny to define, bc people who live in developing or third world countries don't even have the opportunity to have those kind of problems..that's why the memes are kind of funny. I guess they become funnier when you are "deprived" of those kind of problems, if that makes sense. And sometimes it's funny because it makes me realize I'm glad I don't have to deal with those problems anymore.

[clogged]

May 31, 2012 5:16:17 GMT -5 @myblue said:

It isn't like we are a bunch of spoiled socialites who are complaining because daddy made us get a $75,000 car instead of an $80,000 car.

Speak for yourself. I am still fuming he shorted me.....

[GilliC]

I always think of it just as an acknowledgement that in general, things are pretty good. There are a lot of people (even in the first world, and even on these boards) who have it a lot worse than I do, and I appreciate that my problems are not as bad as they could be. So it's more an expression of a positive sentiment than any kind of guilt or apology.

And on the SO board with its new First World Friday posts, the point is to get to complain jokingly about truly first-world problems. Things like "My book ran out of batteries right at a crazy cliffhanger!" or "The remote key for my car is broken, and I have to actually walk over and put the key in the lock!"

[dorothyinAus]

I agree with Gilli. I think it's just an acknowledgement that in the overall scheme of things, what they are complaining about isn't really a major problem/crisis.

I described being shaped by my internet provider for going over my download limit for the month as a "first world problem." Because in the grand scheme of things, it's really just a minor inconvenience than an actual problem.

[Deleted]

I never read too much into it, I think it's basically a joke or a way to laugh at oneself for dealing with something that isn't by any measure a "problem".
I can see how the expression could be perceived both ways... I find it more ironic than apologetic.

[crimsonandclover]

I also find it more ironic than anything, and I usually think they're funny. I find it self-deprecating, for the most part.

[Deleted]

Okay, I can see that point of view as well. Especially Gilli, the one about the book running out of batteries, that's funny. But problems that are universally a pain in the ass (i.e. being ill or dealing with asshats) I don't see the irony in calling it a first world problem, it is a universal problem IMO

[Cheesecake]

I guess I saw it used a lot and started using it as well, I'm a follower
For me, personally, it really is acknowledging that there is so much worse that can happen to people/me. In the end my health issues and such are far, far more important than whatever monetary or car, or job or "luxury" issue ever. So it's almost more to myself. "Sure foodie, you can whine about car mechanics, but think about that when you're in the hospital yet again for surgery, yet again, for your weird combo of 2 kidney issues for which they fly in doctors from other countries. Doesn't seem that important now, does it".