Fallacy of relative privation

Imagine you have two toys, one is a small ball and the other is a big doll. You really like the doll because it's bigger and more fun to play with, but your friend only has the small ball.

One day, your friend complains to you that they want a bigger toy, like your doll. But instead of being sympathetic, you say, "Well, be grateful you even have a toy! There are children in other countries who don't have any toys at all!"

This is an example of the fallacy of relative privation. It's when someone tries to dismiss or downplay someone else's problems by comparing them to a greater issue. In this case, your friend's desire for a bigger toy is seen as insignificant because you believe there are bigger problems in the world.

But just because there are bigger problems doesn't mean your friend's problem isn't real or important to them. It's important to listen and be empathetic to others regardless of how their issues compare to larger problems.