First World Problems Read By Third World Kids
From Haiti. It’s a new TV commercial for Water Is Life.
Does turning an ironic meme into a serious PSA work?
I’m on the fence here, a place I never sit.
I want it to work. Badly.
And the First World Problems the ad agency collected are good ones.
It’s a great concept.
I just think the commercial is missing something that keeps it from being classic.
More humor, more seriousness, a different setting?
I’m probably wrong.
What do you think?
Ad agency: DDB NYC.
Skeptical Third World Kid is skeptical about this campaign working.
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18 Responses So Far
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phillibuster 7 months agoI think it may have something to do with the delivery and the music in the background, sort of like what you’re saying. The music isn’t somber enough to be inspiring, and isn’t peppy enough to make it comical. I think less of a sound track and a more serious delivery from the subjects would go a long way.
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gubbabump 7 months agoI think it’s fine as is. You can tell the Haitians are trying not to laugh and/or cry at the pettiness of these “problems”. For us first worlders - if this doesn’t put things into perspective for you and create a sense of empathy for those less fortunate, I’m afraid you are dead inside. You want more humor AND more seriousness? A different setting? These are ad hominem arguments against the effectiveness of the PSA, attacking the frivolous details rather than the content. As another commenter said: get over yourself!
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amjensen410 7 months ago
I think it’s a great concept but I think where it lacks to resonate for me is that I don’t relate to any of these “problems.” I’ve never thought any of those things and I don’t think I know anyone who has. That’s not to say I don’t complain about petty things. Had they said, “I hate when I eat too much food on Thanksgiving and feel so full that I have to nap.” That’s something that most Americans can relate to and would feel ashamed of thinking. More very obvious anecdotes like that might cut a little deeper.
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jurgendem 7 months agoThe first world problems meme is actually in an of itself pointing out that first world problems are incredibly petty and trivial, but in a light ironic way: nobody is directly accused of anything.
This ad references the meme but is - quite opposite to the meme - targeting the first world viewers themselves in an unfunny way. The associations of the meme, irony and comedy, don’t fit the serious tone and message of this ad. After viewing it, you end up feeling unsatisfied because there was no funny punchline and you also feel (rightfully or unrightfully) accused of being selfish and careless about people from the third world. -
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mariepascale 7 months ago
Even though the first world problems meme is a joke, we all complain about similar things in our lives as if they are real problems. We have such a great standard of living in the US that it’s easy to forget what real hardship is. This ad reminds us, in a simple, powerful way. I think it’s perfect. I’m making a donation- it’s the least I can do.
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Lolhelper 7 months agoThe only funny part was when that woman in neon top said “I hate when my neighbors block the Wi- Fi”, and them turned her head in disgust. She found the funny thing on that and made a little actuation. I understood the point but I just wanted to pointed that out hahaha!
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Cinnamon Broom 7 months ago
I agree that it’s a great concept, but it needs something… it needs a fix. I think part of the problem is the age-old approach of having the people in the developing country staring somberly into the camera and talking over this maudlin music.
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vespo 7 months agoI feel sorry for people who think their “First world problems” are real problems, like that girl from my sweet 16 who told her mum she ruined her life because she gave her a $60.000 Lexus and she wanted it to be a surprise. I think it’s cool that things like these exist, gives me a little hope in humanity.
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mbrattoo 5 months ago
I don’t like it. I feel like they couyld have done something better. There’s a problem here and I can’t place it. The thing is, the meme already shows us that we take things for granted and are natural complainers. But, this message is given with a comedic flair. The seriousness of this issue and the lightheartedness of this meme aren’t cohesive. It’s an interesting concept but this is sloppily executed. It leaves the viewer feeling either confused of accused. Maybe the problem lies in the music. I don’t know.
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DramaticallyGiles 5 months ago
“When I have to write my maid a check, but I forget her last name.” OMG.
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shannonh21 4 days agoThis is just mean to everyone involved. The Meme is pointing out how trivial first world problems are. They took something that was made to make us laugh at ourselves without drowning in first world guilt and made it heartbreaking. Making those kids read these strikes me as cruel. It’s throwing in their faces how much some other people have and don’t appreciate. I hate this because it makes me feel guilty. I feel guilty for hating it. I’ve had enough of this “you should hate yourself if you’re not poor” crap.
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