Beech Tree News Network

Children often use surprising phrases. My nine-year-old granddaughter jokingly described a trivial incident as a “First World problem.” Many of us may also be guilty of complaining about small frustrations.

 Wikipedia defined First World problem as “a slang term used to refer to issues in First World nations that are complained about only because of the absence of more pressing concerns” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_World_problem). These problems are actually inconveniences experienced by the privileged in our world. First World problems might include such things as slow web access, the GPS failing to report a construction zone, or even Grandma’s refrigerator being filled with only healthy food.

Many articles containing examples of First World problems are available. In 2013, Gabrielle Taylor wrote an article entitled “20 Simple Solutions to Life’s Most Irritating First World Problems” (https://macgyverisms.wonderhowto.com/how-to/20-simple-solutions-lifes-mo...). Taylor stated, “…knowing a problem is trivial doesn’t make it any less frustrating.” The article listed twenty problems and explained a solution for each. Some of the First World problems mentioned were:

·       My fingers always get messy dipping Oreos in milk.

·       My produce goes bad before I can eat it all.

·       Siri can’t pronounce my name.

·       My coffee always sloshes out of the cup when I walk.

·       There’s nothing good on Netflix.

Then, in a 2015 Metro News article, “The Official Top 50 First World Problems” (http://metro.co.uk/2015/12/29/the-official-top-50-first-world-problems-5...), Oliver McAteer identified 50 frustrations or First World problems. Five of those included were:

·       Having to use a can opener when the can doesn’t have a ring pull.

·       Not being able to fast forward live TV.

·       A wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear.

·       Chipped nail polish.

·       Leaving the phone charger at home.

In both articles, the First World problems were relatable. In fact, I have found myself attempting to fast forward though commercials while watching live TV – laughing at myself afterward.

On the other hand, Steven Poole’s 2015 article “Why the Phrase ‘First World Problem’ Is Condescending to Everyone” (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/oct/02/why-phrase-first-world-pro...) acknowledged that the phrase is “used as a comical apology for moaning about trivia.” Poole explained that the phrase implies the less fortunate would never dream of complaining about anything so trivial. Yet, he stated that using the phrase is condescending and dehumanizing. Although I understand Poole’s standpoint, I think my granddaughter and most others who have used the phrase “First World problem” do not intend to be condescending, but are simply making fun of themselves for being impatient with the trivial while living in such privilege.

Someone said, “People with a good sense of humor have a better sense of life,” (https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/humor). Philippians 2:14 (NIV) says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” And Mahatma Gandhi said, “If I had no sense of humor, I would long ago have committed suicide” (https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/humor). Using humor – like the “First World problem” phrase – helps up put life into perspective.