TOW #15- First World Problems

        Left with a difficult realization damaging the creativity and willingness of his clients, New York Times writer Joseph Burgo is left with the task of digging beneath a recently popularized expression, "first world problems." This saying is often referred to mock problems of wealthy, industrialized nations that would cause extreme exasperation from third world countries, but it has become evident that deeper reasons are present underneath. Through the usage of numerous anecdotes from the workplace, and intense inspection of his client's behaviors, Burgo discovers that the reluctance behind suggesting article topics in lieu of recent, disastrous events in the media is actually due to overwhelming empathy.

        By observing the behaviors around the office and among his client's personal lives, it becomes clear to Burgo that the reason for this behavior has much to do with the fact that Americans are confronted with an overwhelming amount of terrible news in the media. One specific anecdote dates back to 2001 from a woman named Sana, who was scared to face the reality of her own personal issues in fear that she would be labeled as "selfish" or "ignorant" for not caring more about those injured during the 9/11 attacks. She became obsessed with expressing intense emotion over the attack, instead of resolving relationship issues with her husband that many of the other clients knew she was upset about. The usage of this anecdote proves the reason behind Burgo's desire to dig deeper behind the real cause of "first world problems", and why this saying is so shamefully used. 

        After understanding the behaviors of his client Sara, Burgo tries to find meaning behind them. He suggests multiple causes of narcissism among Americans, such as the "rise of social media, intensified celebrity culture, helicopter parenting, and the breakdown of traditional values," but none of these include the most important factor- empathy overload. By narrowing down the possible causes behind these behaviors, Burgo realizes that the overwhelming amount of pain and suffering discussed in the media has caused many to close their eyes to their own problems. Being open to such  immense distress is proven to have a toll on our own lives. Empathy has always been thought of as a good thing, but perhaps Burgo has discovered that TOO much empathy can cause many to end up having no empathy at all. 

       Citizens should not be ashamed of their own issues, no matter how big or how small. Yes there are going to be others around the world dealing with greater things, but in the face of individuals, these problems still exist and still have an impact over their lives. Burgo does a great job at delving deeper behind the empathy issues of Americans. Through usage of anecdotes and intense investigation of emotions among his clients, he has concluded an interesting theory that makes many reconsider how they view both themselves and the world around them.