[LJ Idol] First World Problems

[mephron]

This was inspired by skylanth and commentary by takhys, so all honor to those worthies.

What makes a problem a 'first world problem'? I submit, as takhys put it in Skylanth's repost, that at the core, a problem is a problem, no matter where it happens. Using that term 'first world' just sets up these mental/conceptual barriers between us. My last LJ Idol post -

Comments

[the_vernacular]

The designation of First World Problems is really when a problem arises from excess. So, no, a First World Problem doesn't exist in many parts of the world.

A first world problem is not a problem like being late or losing something important to you. A first world problem is something like having so much extra food you don't have a space for it in your fridge, or making so much money you go up a tax bracket. A first world problem is having two cars and only a one-car garage.

Do you see the difference between those and problems that can exist anywhere? First world problems are specifically when people are complaining about issues that arise because they are privileged and lucky. If it can happen anywhere, it's not a first world problem, but that doesn't mean first world problems don't exist.

[myrna_bird]

That anyone would want us all to agree on anything is a first world problem.

[alephz]

A First World Problem is a problem that can only arise in the First World; that is to say, a problem that can only come up in the context of an industrialized, computerized society with a half-decent support structure and decent physical/social infrastructure that can be reasonably relied upon to at least put on a show of protecting people who aren't in power

[lawchicky]

I agree with the other comments that "first world problems" do actually exist. That being said, I think people should try to put themselves into each others shoes more often.

[similiesslip]

I like this. I really think it is important to, if you can, try to imagine that maybe the other person is having a bad day etc instead of getting angry. We all need a little more grace and understanding in our lives.