On the journey to enlightenment, political correctness and world salvation, people have started to blindly repost videos and articles, whether via facebook or twitter, to establish themselves as global citizens. However, one video that has been “trending” in the past couple of days has somewhat irked me. In general, I have become frustrated with AFRICA commonly being depicted as the embodiment of all poverty and dispare.
This video however is filmed in Haiti but the same sentiment exists. I would like to note the title of the video, “First World Problems Read By Third World People”. If you have time, please watch this one minute video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3HrkQaPHAA
The origins of #firstworldproblems, was in response to the comedic ridiculousness of a statement you may have made. Problems are relative. Relatively speaking, most of us cannot compare our “problems” to those who live in abject poverty, anywhere in the world, yet that doesn’t diminish its importance or significance.
Access to potable drinking problem is a fundamental necessity, but turning a satirical meme into social engagement missed the mark in addressing collective change. I personally know I have so much to be grateful for. But juxtaposing the suffering of others with my “first world” life, congers up pity and resentment. The narrative of Africans/Blacks as victims to force people to commiserate their destitute has never sat well with me. On a side note, the term “Third-World” has colonialist connotations..
I’m just saying, we can do better.
JwasHERE 