I hate the term "First World Problems". There is nothing more infuriating when someone just shouts that crap out. Have some damn relativism and actually think what the statement "First World Problems" actually does. Essentially, it categorizes a list of problems that the "Third World" cannot have. In other words, "First World Problems" are generally mundane and have little, if anything, to do with the core pillars of survival (Food, water, shelter). I would argue that even the poorest of people have their version of mundane problems. So not only are you trying to shit on something someone cares about, but you are essentially doing so in a very elitist manner.
Furthermore, attaching "First World Problems" to anything automatically tries to remove that problem of any sort of relevance. This #1reasonwhy and #1reasontobe movements are not really about video games. Rather, they are about sexism. Video games are a passive backdrop. I guarantee the same type of sexism in video games occurs in other facets of life. Sexism is not a First World Problem, it is a Whole World Problem and it is something that some people cannot come to terms with. Now I'm neither female nor a feminist, but I do believe that racism, sexism, and bigotry still exists. While certain feminist movements take the message a little too far, this gaming related movement does not. Read those tweets, and you will see that if nothing else. Some of those tweets (assuming they are not totally exaggerated) state some dark ass shit, something I was too naive to think even existed. The reality is that there will always be scumbags, male and female, but if this movement does nothing else, it should get people to think about how they treat other human beings in general. This self-reflection could potentially stop some sexist acts from occurring.
My point is, do not attempt to diminish this movement, and especially do not slap stupid labels like "First World Problems" onto the cause. It does not make people rethink their stance, if anything it makes them think less of the person who said it.
Log in to comment