Cardinal Rule Broken by Our Greek Advisor ;-(

[DrPhil]

Yikes. People still use archaic phrases like "First World."

[SoCalGirl]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Yikes. People still use archaic phrases like "First World."

I'm not sure I understand why you find the phrase archaic. We learned about first world vs developing nations / 2nd world vs third world in one of my economics classes. I've never thought of it as outdated or possibly offensive.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_World

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by SoCalGirl

I'm not sure I understand why you find the phrase archaic.

There are people and subdisciplines around the world who consider it outdated and derogatory. Such classifications are highly correlated with culture, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomics. The (predominantly white) people from the "First World" tend not to be the ones offended. Tell people from poorer and uncoincidentally darker shaded countries that they are "Third World" and some people do not care what you intended to convey regarding economists, capitalism, industrialism, etc.

[AlphaFrog]

I would think it less offensive used in a context as it was above (and largely how the meme has been used), because you're acknowledging the fact that you have a "problem" that, in comparison to starving children in Africa, is relatively insignificant. You are acknowledging your privilage to dote on frivolous things.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I would think it less offensive used in a context as it was above (and largely how the meme has been used), because you're acknowledging the fact that you have a "problem" that, in comparison to starving children in Africa, is relatively insignificant. You are acknowledging your privilage to dote on frivolous things.

You are acknowledging your privilege all while perpetuating such privileges.

I know there are disciplines and people who find nothing wrong with it. That is absolutely fine despite the tone of my first post. However, there are also disciplines and people who find something wrong with it. I have been spoiled by people (personally and professionally--including some economists) who consider it archaic. My bad for allowing that to become my reality. LOL.

Back to the regular thread.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I would think it less offensive used in a context as it was above (and largely how the meme has been used), because you're acknowledging the fact that you have a "problem" that, in comparison to starving children in Africa, is relatively insignificant. You are acknowledging your privilage to dote on frivolous things.

Yeah, this is actually the reason why some find it offensive - it's an implicit value statement.

[adpiucf]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Yeah, this is actually the reason why some find it offensive - it's an implicit value statement.

Seeing as my intention was to offend the OP, I think I have achieved my objectives. You don't make that statement without the intent to be derisive.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by adpiucf

Seeing as my intention was to offend the OP, I think I have achieved my objectives. You don't make that statement without the intent to be derisive.

Your intent was to offend the OP which may not have happened because the OP may find it funny or not care anymore.

Was your intent to potentially be nationally, culturally, racially, ethnically, or socioeconomically offensive to those who consider it such?

If not, there are other (sometimes crass) ways to tell someone they are being frivolous and/or need to choose a course of action and get over it. Thus is the nature of GC. LOL

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by SoCalGirl

We learned about first world vs developing nations / 2nd world vs third world in one of my economics classes. [/URL]

Ditto

/onlycontribution