Society today, is plagued by the notion of first world problems. While some people argue that these problems may or may not exist, many others say that the actual terms “first world country” and “third world country” seek to further divide the world by dehumanizing those who live in under-developed countries. Although made into comical memes and vines, actual “first world problems” are not the comical relief that only over indulged people in well developed countries endure. This paper will argue that the perceived problems people think of when they hear first world problems, are not immediate issues to their wellbeing. You will see actual examples of first world problem that are qualified to be considered a problem and the stigmatization people
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After World War II, the world had split into east and west, thus marking the beginning of the cold war. It is unclear where exactly the term originated from, but it is likely the term was coined in the U.S. given the meaning of a first world country at the time. At the time the term “first world country” meant the country in question, was a properly developed and capitalist country whose views and polices was in line with the U.S. i.e. Western Europe, Japan, North America and Australia. Second world countries referred to communist states such as Russia, Eastern Europe and China. Today, the term “second world country” is seldom used as the world, mainly the U.S., has moved past its fear of “Red” nations. Lastly, “third world countries” are nations whose government and infrastructure is still under development, such as the countries of Africa, Asia and Latina America. Today, the term “first world country” has adapted to fit the description of countries whose population is, for the most part, employed, have homes which meet safety standards and where running water and food is common to find. These countries now have first world problems. These problems are considered trivial, but there are legitimate problems that stem from the words …show more content…
By saying you have a first world problem when you have to wait in line or when a store is closed when it should be open is ridiculous. Not only is that statement condescending to third world people it says that they have no way of experiencing such inconveniences because they are some sort of savages that have no notion of such things. . In an article of The Guardian by Steven Poole, Why the term ‘first world problem’ is condescending to everyone, he states “It’s arguable that the phrase “first world problems” is condescending and dehumanizing to literally everyone on the planet. For a start, it patronizes those outside the “first world” by implying that hunger, disease and war are not only prevalent among the global poor but in some way the sole conditions of their lives.” It is inhumane to be considered less than human because of the geographical location in which one resides. The entire world has come a long way. We are fighting hunger and disease and are close to making a complete global effort to eradicate it. For society to mature as a whole, we must take the initiative to work together and stop referring countries as first or third world, in order to move forward from the
After World War II, the world had split into east and west, thus marking the beginning of the cold war. It is unclear where exactly the term originated from, but it is likely the term was coined in the U.S. given the meaning of a first world country at the time. At the time the term “first world country” meant the country in question, was a properly developed and capitalist country whose views and polices was in line with the U.S. i.e. Western Europe, Japan, North America and Australia. Second world countries referred to communist states such as Russia, Eastern Europe and China. Today, the term “second world country” is seldom used as the world, mainly the U.S., has moved past its fear of “Red” nations. Lastly, “third world countries” are nations whose government and infrastructure is still under development, such as the countries of Africa, Asia and Latina America. Today, the term “first world country” has adapted to fit the description of countries whose population is, for the most part, employed, have homes which meet safety standards and where running water and food is common to find. These countries now have first world problems. These problems are considered trivial, but there are legitimate problems that stem from the words …show more content…
By saying you have a first world problem when you have to wait in line or when a store is closed when it should be open is ridiculous. Not only is that statement condescending to third world people it says that they have no way of experiencing such inconveniences because they are some sort of savages that have no notion of such things. . In an article of The Guardian by Steven Poole, Why the term ‘first world problem’ is condescending to everyone, he states “It’s arguable that the phrase “first world problems” is condescending and dehumanizing to literally everyone on the planet. For a start, it patronizes those outside the “first world” by implying that hunger, disease and war are not only prevalent among the global poor but in some way the sole conditions of their lives.” It is inhumane to be considered less than human because of the geographical location in which one resides. The entire world has come a long way. We are fighting hunger and disease and are close to making a complete global effort to eradicate it. For society to mature as a whole, we must take the initiative to work together and stop referring countries as first or third world, in order to move forward from the