A defense of 'black painting'

It is permissible to express dissatisfaction with everyday inconveniences, even in a country as affluent as Norway, according to political editor Torbjørn Røe Isaksen. He argues against the notion that citizens of wealthy nations should refrain from complaining about issues like train cancellations, likening it to telling a child who dislikes boiled carrots that children are starving elsewhere.

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It is okay to hate boiled carrots even though there are children starving in the world.

Isaksen acknowledges that many perceived "crises" in Norway might be considered minor challenges in other parts of the world. However, he emphasizes that "first-world problems" are still genuine problems for those experiencing them. He points to a recent report by NTB indicating that this summer's train service is on track to be the worst in five years, with August being a low point, based on punctuality statistics from Bane NOR.

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The train summer is shaping up to be the worst in five years, with August as the low point.

The author contends that Norwegians are aware of their country's high standard of living and appreciate the welfare and comfort it provides. They understand that their current situation is far from the norm in many other places. Norway possesses substantial financial resources, including a 22,000 billion kroner pension fund and over 500 billion kroner in oil revenue annually, alongside a high tax burden.

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But first-world problems are also problems.

Given these resources and the significant public spending, Isaksen argues that citizens have reasonable expectations for the services and outcomes they receive. He suggests that the phenomenon of "rising expectations leading to dissatisfaction" is a natural consequence of living in a developed nation, rather than mere "whining." The author concludes that it is understandable for people to be unhappy when services like trains are repeatedly canceled.

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It is okay to be dissatisfied even in one of the world's richest countries.