Why do people think so lowly about 3rd world countries?

[QUOTE="22Toothpicks"][QUOTE="sonicare"] You're originally from New Jersey?NerubianWeaver

New Jersey is (incorrectly) generally considered a real craphole...even by New Jersians...Jeseyites....idunno

About five years ago they got rid of the three world system and replaced it with a five world system. Just so ya know

[QUOTE="NerubianWeaver"][QUOTE="22Toothpicks"] Damn, that's harsh. :lol:mrbojangles25

New Jersey is (incorrectly) generally considered a real craphole...even by New Jersians...Jeseyites....idunno

I was born in the US and moved to a third world country when I was very young, lets just say I didnt appreciate the chage too much. I lived there until I was an adult so I had time to mature and appreciate the differences between 1st and 3rd world. While being there did have its advantages, I got to do a ton of stuff I could have never done or gotten away with in the US. For example: the first time I tried alcohol, I bought it at a "class party" wile being in the 5th grade at a catholic school and no one thought anything of it. Getting stopped by a cop and getting off scott free just for being "upper class" and a snotty "do you know who my father is?" comment. I had tons of fun knew everyone in the neighborhood and half the country it seems. but thats where the fun ends. Once you "GROW UP" and begin to realize how things really work, on top of that try to make an honest living and sustain yourself thats when the reality of 3rd world hits you in the face. (I was brought up in a kushy upper class lifestyle, so I didnt really experience 3rd world poverty first hand). 3rd world countries arre a joke pollitically there is so much corruption and carelessness that If you really give a S(%*# you wil go mad. Mediocrity is the norm and anyone who tries to do things right is seen as a nuance and is quickly removed from the scene. You see politicians who can barely read in charge of the nation ..but they just line their pockets with "public funds" while hospitals go without critical supplies, they "donate" a few boxes of gauze and syringes and pat themselves on the back for a job well done. There is so much injustice it would make your stomach turn. They do things half assed nonchalantly. Lately its gotten even worse crime is out of hand public works is all but gone, and there is a huge difference between the rich and the poor. all I can say is this F U $% the third world I hope it all goes to hell.., ther is really no reason for some countries to be stuck in this status beyon the greed and coruption of lazy ass politicians. most of these countries have plenty of resources but abusive and negilgent governments squander resources. I had enough of that crap and decided to get the hell out of there and leave those animals to eat the damn country iff they want to ....who ever lives there deserves it because they could either get out, or get fed up and fight.. I thought whats the point to fighting for it so I left ..but guess what

Im starting to see the same crap here in the US....have a good day GS.

The terms "first world" and "third world" were used during the cold war. Now the terms developed, and developing are more common.

Most people would not put Costa Rica in the same catergory as Sudan, or places like that.

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

[QUOTE="NerubianWeaver"] I honestly don't get it :?NerubianWeaver

New Jersey is (incorrectly) generally considered a real craphole...even by New Jersians...Jeseyites....idunno

watch what you say, creep

[QUOTE="lightleggy"]

be honest ot, what do you think about when you hear "3rd world country"?

mrbojangles25

tbh, I think it means a country that is not Europe or North America :P

seriously, though, the classification sucks...and for the most part it is pretty bogus.

Basically:

1st World = Nukes

2nd World = Would-be first world but no nukes? Idunno Ive never heard of a "2nd world country"

3rd World = where non-whites come from :P I know it soudns bad, but it seems to generally be true.

not precisely true, although I do understand why you say it thats why I dont blame you, but for example most population in costa rica and argentina is white, even a good chunk of argetinians are caucasians, and I mean really caucasian like most europeans. while on the other hand, most of the people at panama and colombia are black/mestizos

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

[QUOTE="lightleggy"]

be honest ot, what do you think about when you hear "3rd world country"?

lightleggy

tbh, I think it means a country that is not Europe or North America :P

seriously, though, the classification sucks...and for the most part it is pretty bogus.

Basically:

1st World = Nukes

2nd World = Would-be first world but no nukes? Idunno Ive never heard of a "2nd world country"

3rd World = where non-whites come from :P I know it soudns bad, but it seems to generally be true.

not precisely true, although I do understand why you say it thats why I dont blame you, but for example most population in costa rica and argentina is white, even a good chunk of argetinians are caucasians, and I mean really caucasian like most europeans. while on the other hand, most of the people at panama and colombia are black/mestizos

3rd world is a terrible term imo, a lot of people, mostly americans or europeans (sorry guys, but its true) think that third world countries mean death, poverty, plagues and infrahumans conditions on every corner.

and that is just such a wrong concept, take costa rica or panama for example, 2 of the most developed (I think they are actually THE most developed) latinamericans countries, both considered to be third world. costa rica has a better life expectancy than that of the US, and a better healthcare system which is even recognized worldwide, plus theres a 97% literacy rate (only 3% of the population is analphabet) and its one of the safest latin americans countries and in overall its a great country, better than most "1st world" countries.

now look at czech republic, considered to be 1st world, yet there is a disturbing number of people starving in the country and extreme poverty.

be honest ot, what do you think about when you hear "3rd world country"?

lightleggy

I must go if 3% of Costa Ricans are analphabet, on anal anything for that matter.

[QUOTE="lightleggy"]

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

tbh, I think it means a country that is not Europe or North America :P

seriously, though, the classification sucks...and for the most part it is pretty bogus.

Basically:

1st World = Nukes

2nd World = Would-be first world but no nukes? Idunno Ive never heard of a "2nd world country"

3rd World = where non-whites come from :P I know it soudns bad, but it seems to generally be true.

gamerguru100

not precisely true, although I do understand why you say it thats why I dont blame you, but for example most population in costa rica and argentina is white, even a good chunk of argetinians are caucasians, and I mean really caucasian like most europeans. while on the other hand, most of the people at panama and colombia are black/mestizos

I thought japanese were white...

[QUOTE="lightleggy"]

be honest ot, what do you think about when you hear "3rd world country"?

mrbojangles25

tbh, I think it means a country that is not Europe or North America :P

seriously, though, the classification sucks...and for the most part it is pretty bogus.

Basically:

1st World = Nukes

2nd World = Would-be first world but no nukes? Idunno Ive never heard of a "2nd world country"

3rd World = where non-whites come from :P I know it soudns bad, but it seems to generally be true.

Not quite. and those are very dated terms, from the Cold War. 1st World = developed, western nations, US, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, and the like. 2nd World were modern developed countries but "weren't quite up to 1st World standard" ( Soviet Bloc basically) and then 3rd world were poorer places, SA, Africa, and such. I forget the exact labeling for 3rd World, but basically non western or Soviet nation.

The current modern terms, are Developed and Developing nations. they are labeled based on a variety of factors. To keep it simple, pretty much 1st World = developed, 3rd World = developing. with a little mix up here and there.

Just wanted to clarify, it has nothing to do with nukes, or ethnicity.

[QUOTE="gamerguru100"]

[QUOTE="lightleggy"]

not precisely true, although I do understand why you say it thats why I dont blame you, but for example most population in costa rica and argentina is white, even a good chunk of argetinians are caucasians, and I mean really caucasian like most europeans. while on the other hand, most of the people at panama and colombia are black/mestizos

lightleggy

I thought japanese were white...

ITT: People who lived their entire life in first world countries think they can hold reasonable discussions about third world countries.

ITT: People who lived their entire life in first world countries think they can hold reasonable discussions about third world countries. Go back to your electric cars and Ipads please.JPOBS

Says the person on a computer? Who plays video games? What exactly is the difference between owning an Ipad and an Xbox/PS3/Wii?

I was born in the US and moved to a third world country when I was very young, lets just say I didnt appreciate the chage too much. I lived there until I was an adult so I had time to mature and appreciate the differences between 1st and 3rd world. While being there did have its advantages, I got to do a ton of stuff I could have never done or gotten away with in the US. For example: the first time I tried alcohol, I bought it at a "class party" wile being in the 5th grade at a catholic school and no one thought anything of it. Getting stopped by a cop and getting off scott free just for being "upper class" and a snotty "do you know who my father is?" comment. I had tons of fun knew everyone in the neighborhood and half the country it seems. but thats where the fun ends. Once you "GROW UP" and begin to realize how things really work, on top of that try to make an honest living and sustain yourself thats when the reality of 3rd world hits you in the face. (I was brought up in a kushy upper class lifestyle, so I didnt really experience 3rd world poverty first hand). 3rd world countries arre a joke pollitically there is so much corruption and carelessness that If you really give a S(%*# you wil go mad. Mediocrity is the norm and anyone who tries to do things right is seen as a nuance and is quickly removed from the scene. You see politicians who can barely read in charge of the nation ..but they just line their pockets with "public funds" while hospitals go without critical supplies, they "donate" a few boxes of gauze and syringes and pat themselves on the back for a job well done. There is so much injustice it would make your stomach turn. They do things half assed nonchalantly. Lately its gotten even worse crime is out of hand public works is all but gone, and there is a huge difference between the rich and the poor. all I can say is this F U $% the third world I hope it all goes to hell.., ther is really no reason for some countries to be stuck in this status beyon the greed and coruption of lazy ass politicians. most of these countries have plenty of resources but abusive and negilgent governments squander resources. I had enough of that crap and decided to get the hell out of there and leave those animals to eat the damn country iff they want to ....who ever lives there deserves it because they could either get out, or get fed up and fight.. I thought whats the point to fighting for it so I left ..but guess what

Im starting to see the same crap here in the US....have a good day GS.

Pythos77

Yeah. Sounds like Africa. Well said, well said.

[QUOTE="JPOBS"]ITT: People who lived their entire life in first world countries think they can hold reasonable discussions about third world countries. Go back to your electric cars and Ipads please.ROFLCOPTER603

Says the person on a computer? Who plays video games? What exactly is the difference between owning an Ipad and an Xbox/PS3/Wii?

I suggest you do a little world history and learn why some countries are bad places to live. This is gonna come as a shock to you, but the majority of 3rd world countries are the way they are because of the exploitation first world powers in the 1600s-1900s, colonilization, TNCs etc. I just hate it when people (like you) say dumb ****

[QUOTE="ROFLCOPTER603"]

[QUOTE="JPOBS"]ITT: People who lived their entire life in first world countries think they can hold reasonable discussions about third world countries. Go back to your electric cars and Ipads please.JPOBS

Says the person on a computer? Who plays video games? What exactly is the difference between owning an Ipad and an Xbox/PS3/Wii?

I suggest you do a little world history and learn why some countries are bad places to live. This is gonna come as a shock to you, but the majority of 3rd world countries are the way they are because of the exploitation first world powers in the 1600s-1900s, colonilization, TNCs etc. I just hate it when people (like you) say dumb ****

I plan on joining MSF when I'm done with school and my residence. At age 15 I already had a job within the industry (not non-profit obviously) and my Biology and Chemistry class were both honors which I got good grades for (I'm not done with HS yet, but I'll take more bio-oriented classes). Because I don't spend my money on Ipads and electric cars, and only get games for Christmas and my birthday, I can pay for college with scholarships and that money.

But maybe I should give up with that, seeing as I'm the greedy white man who comes to enslave your people.

The reason people think so lowly is because the 3rd Countries "are" lowly... Staggering poverty rate, lack of infastructure, high crime rate, dirty living conditions, and many other things...

To describe a 3rd World Country, I'd say one that's stricken with civil wars and poor healthcare.

3rd world countries had no part in the cold war, therefore considered 3rd parties.

[QUOTE="Pythos77"]

I was born in the US and moved to a third world country when I was very young, lets just say I didnt appreciate the chage too much. I lived there until I was an adult so I had time to mature and appreciate the differences between 1st and 3rd world. While being there did have its advantages, I got to do a ton of stuff I could have never done or gotten away with in the US. For example: the first time I tried alcohol, I bought it at a "class party" wile being in the 5th grade at a catholic school and no one thought anything of it. Getting stopped by a cop and getting off scott free just for being "upper class" and a snotty "do you know who my father is?" comment. I had tons of fun knew everyone in the neighborhood and half the country it seems. but thats where the fun ends. Once you "GROW UP" and begin to realize how things really work, on top of that try to make an honest living and sustain yourself thats when the reality of 3rd world hits you in the face. (I was brought up in a kushy upper class lifestyle, so I didnt really experience 3rd world poverty first hand). 3rd world countries arre a joke pollitically there is so much corruption and carelessness that If you really give a S(%*# you wil go mad. Mediocrity is the norm and anyone who tries to do things right is seen as a nuance and is quickly removed from the scene. You see politicians who can barely read in charge of the nation ..but they just line their pockets with "public funds" while hospitals go without critical supplies, they "donate" a few boxes of gauze and syringes and pat themselves on the back for a job well done. There is so much injustice it would make your stomach turn. They do things half assed nonchalantly. Lately its gotten even worse crime is out of hand public works is all but gone, and there is a huge difference between the rich and the poor. all I can say is this F U $% the third world I hope it all goes to hell.., ther is really no reason for some countries to be stuck in this status beyon the greed and coruption of lazy ass politicians. most of these countries have plenty of resources but abusive and negilgent governments squander resources. I had enough of that crap and decided to get the hell out of there and leave those animals to eat the damn country iff they want to ....who ever lives there deserves it because they could either get out, or get fed up and fight.. I thought whats the point to fighting for it so I left ..but guess what

Im starting to see the same crap here in the US....have a good day GS.

dnafactory

Yeah. Sounds like Africa. Well said, well said.

Not africa,,, more like the caribean, Its a nice country really for tourist or rich people, but if youre not either one of those then prepare to get screwed every which way.

I don't..

I don't even think about 3rd world countries.

I think that the best indicator of a third world country is the infant mortality rate indicator: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_infant_mortality_rate

Countries with values higher than 50/1000 are third world countries, in my opinion.

Because if you aint first, yer last! teehee!

This is probably the realest thing anyone has ever said about The 3rd World:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOINSUWOqyo

Because, you know, they're 3rd world countries. Its not complex. They have less money and hence bad quality of life.Overlord93

[QUOTE="JPOBS"]

[QUOTE="ROFLCOPTER603"]

Says the person on a computer? Who plays video games? What exactly is the difference between owning an Ipad and an Xbox/PS3/Wii?

ROFLCOPTER603

I suggest you do a little world history and learn why some countries are bad places to live. This is gonna come as a shock to you, but the majority of 3rd world countries are the way they are because of the exploitation first world powers in the 1600s-1900s, colonilization, TNCs etc. I just hate it when people (like you) say dumb ****

I plan on joining MSF when I'm done with school and my residence. At age 15 I already had a job within the industry (not non-profit obviously) and my Biology and Chemistry class were both honors which I got good grades for (I'm not done with HS yet, but I'll take more bio-oriented classes). Because I don't spend my money on Ipads and electric cars, and only get games for Christmas and my birthday, I can pay for college with scholarships and that money.

But maybe I should give up with that, seeing as I'm the greedy white man who comes to enslave your people.

Xenophobia and cultural (read: Christian) elitism leftover from the Colonial days.

It's all about what the media portray them to be. Most of us cant go there to see for our selfs so we have the tv as our tour guide.

Widespread lack of broadband Internet access seals the deal for me and that's just the first reason.

Oh, I know this, I'm from Bosnia & Herzegovina and I have hard time to prove people they are wrong with the stereotypes they have about countries like mine :) the wages are lower, but it's just as beautiful to live here as in Germany, and I can say that from my own experience, since I also lived there too...

Widespread lack of broadband Internet access seals the deal for me and that's just the first reason.

Alter_Echo

What? I have better broadband connection then some in Germany :?

Oh, I know this, I'm from Bosnia & Herzegovina and I have hard time to prove people they are wrong with the stereotypes they have about countries like mine :) the wages are lower, but it's just as beautiful to live here as in Germany, and I can say that from my own experience, since I also lived there too...

[QUOTE="Alter_Echo"]

Widespread lack of broadband Internet access seals the deal for me and that's just the first reason.

AnelZukic

What? I have better broadband connection then some in Germany :?

Its just my personal standard. I don't consider anywhere with access to fat connections to be 3rd world even though they might technically be by other agreed upon standards.

[QUOTE="ROFLCOPTER603"]

[QUOTE="JPOBS"]ITT: People who lived their entire life in first world countries think they can hold reasonable discussions about third world countries. Go back to your electric cars and Ipads please.JPOBS

Says the person on a computer? Who plays video games? What exactly is the difference between owning an Ipad and an Xbox/PS3/Wii?

I suggest you do a little world history and learn why some countries are bad places to live. This is gonna come as a shock to you, but the majority of 3rd world countries are the way they are because of the exploitation first world powers in the 1600s-1900s, colonilization, TNCs etc. I just hate it when people (like you) say dumb ****

i am very glad i wasnt born in one, im lucky to have been born in the 1st world.

Third World countries are countries that are usually always behind in human rights, they are poverty stricken.. Quite often they have a immense wealth gap where there are a few kings, and the rest are poor peasents more or less.. Its where the most corruption is, and the countries usually always have poor amounts of natural resources and/or are within harsh climates of the world.. sSubZerOo

I won't comment that about human rights, since it really depends on a lot of factors and I could go till tomorrow about it. Poverty, hmm, the poverty rate of many third world countries is even less or the same as of USA, Spain, Italy. Wealth gap, true, but again I will take USA as an example, is in the same range as those countries, it is common known that exactly some third world countries have the smallest gap between rich and poor. Monarchies are rare these days, so I don't see a point on commenting that, but it isn't that true, although kings and leaders in those countries are in most cases the richest peoples, but that doesn't mean that everyone else is mostly a peasant :? and has low incomes. Corruption, that point is the most true one of them all, there is a lot of corruption, but you can't overlook corruption in 1st world countries. The most developed countries has the least amount of natural resources (aside of USA which has the luck that it was discovered relatively late) since they were exploiting it for long time (my country as an example is one of Europe's richest countries with natural resources, especially clean, fresh water, lumber and some mines) and what would you say for Norway, it has a harsh climate but has without arguing the best living standard in the world (and my country on opposite has mediterranean and continental climate and is again regarded as a third world country).

Bad media portrayal and simple ignorance. Ignorance is never really a bad thing. Even the word takes on a negative connotation these days. But it is funny how some people view these third world countries (and the term has nothing to do with poverty) as countries that are so far away and alien. I've lived in some of "those" places and now I'm sitting here in California doing juuuust fine. It's just interesting how often I hear people say they couldn't imagine going here or there or living without this or that.