“Aw, too much cream in my coffee.”
“Did that gift certificate expire?”
“The air conditioning is too cold!”
I have to watch what I say around here or my offspring retort sardonically, “First World Problem.” They’re right. Since I tend to write about simple living and gratitude it’s a useful reality check to be slapped upside the head with that particular reminder. Although I suspect only in our house is the meme typically uttered along with a high-five to one’s siblings. Getting Mom is a family sport.
The First World Problem meme has been around for years, a sarcastic come back to any privilege-related complaint. According to Know Your Meme the term (and its synonym, White Whine) really started to come into widespread use just in the last month. Apparently it originated with the lyrics of a Matthew Good Band song recorded in 1995, entitled “Omissions of the Omen”
Wait for me if I don’t show up
Take from me this hypocrite’s cup
And somewhere around the world
Someone would love to have my first world problems
You can find and often submit First World Problems on a number of sites. Rich irony abounds. Some of my favorites:
My smartphone’s camera took too long to open and I missed the opportunity to take a cute picture of my cat.
She dropped her Kindle into the foot tub when she nodded off during her pedicure.
I just realized halfway into my remodel that I am not going to have any more room for my second wine fridge.
Dear Carnival Cruise Lines, no WiFi? We’re not on speaking terms.
Since none of my kids are around, come on, share your First World Problems. I promise no one will high five.
LOL! In my family, we tend to use “and my diamond shoes are too tight!” as our comeback to first-world whines.
I did have one myself not long ago: Staying at a fancy hotel for a work function, I complained that the pillow was too fluffy.
I have one too. Today the workmen sweating in 95 degree heat while repairing our roof were making so much noise hammering they were upsetting the dogs.
While I do think it’s best to be mindful of our privileges, when I see “first world problem” comments, they are used as impatient eye-rolling or mean-spirited slapdowns, denying other people’s concerns or experience.
The screen on my Nook color has a crack in it. I have no idea how it happened and I can still use it but it’s just not as “pretty” anymore.