2. First World Problems
Cinematic equivalent: Aura (Lena Dunham) in Tiny Furniture The First World Problems meme is a play on the ways we take pity on ourselves, for what are really trivial concerns. Perhaps you never learned to parallel-park because you grew up with a chauffeur, or maybe youre uncomfortably full of that affordable, accessible, hygienic, delicious food in your fridge. Lifes tough, especially when youre Aura, in the independent film Tiny Furniture. Aura, played by mumble-of-her-generation Lena Dunham, is in her 20s, in a movie, and hence, trying to find herself (read: she lives with her parents). She lives a life of privilege in her wealthy artist mothers luxurious New York apartment, doing very little and feeling very sorry for herself. Theres a point in watching this film where you stop enjoying it as a piece of satire about a spoiled child, and start worrying that the films intention is for you to actually feel sorry for her. Is the film itself like the First World Problem meme, an act of self-deprecation? You'd hope so.