“You deserve the best.” I frequently hear this flattering declaration when watching television commercials for everything from automobiles to shaving gel. Yet another familiar phrase, “Don’t you deserve more?” As I watch these advertisements a disturbing thought enters my mind: how does the voice inside my magical picture box know that I actually deserve anything? Why do I deserve the best? Does the simple fact that I exist - that I can effectively consume oxygen - somehow endow my life with tremendous value and merit?
All our lives we grow up learning about the rights and privileges of living in a free and democratic society. It’s not uncommon to hear people vehemently defend their rights to everything from free speech to gun ownership. Yet, why do we deserve to have these things? It’s a strange question to ask in a society where these privileges are taken for granted; merely asking the question feels profane. But the question remains. Why do I deserve more, and frankly, why do I deserve what I already have?
Few activities are more difficult - or more perilous - then attempting to quantify the value of a human life. The EPA recently stirred up quite a bit of controversy by dropping the “value of a statistical life” by almost $1 million (they appraise the current value at $6.1 million). Though no perfect answer to this question may exist, it is nonetheless fascinating to ponder. What value does my mere existence possess, and thus, what rights can I legitimately claim to deserve regardless of any other action I may take?
Many disparage our society as being split between “haves” and “have-nots”. Money (or a lack thereof) frequently determines which privileges and luxuries a person enjoys. These divisions do exist; nevertheless, there are many rights that U.S. citizens (and those from other democratic nations) universally enjoy. It is so easy to get caught up in the things which another has, which we do not have, we sometimes forget about all of the amazing privileges we possess. How easily we forget about essential rights, such as the right to vote. These privileges are given to all, regardless of personal merit.
Let’s talk for just a moment about the right to vote. As we near the next presidential election, we are being hit with a barrage of propaganda encouraging us to perform our patriotic duty by stepping into a booth in November and casting a ballot. This simple act is heralded as both patriotic and noble. Nevertheless, is there anything truly special about pulling a lever? I believe that patriotism cannot be assumed by a simple voluntary mussel contraction, but is demonstrated instead by an individual’s willingness to carefully study the pressing issues of our day - to consider all sides of the political debate - and form opinions that are well educated. A thoughtful vote is patriotic and noble; a vote cast in ignorance is anything but. Sadly, many feel they deserve this tremendous privilege simply because they choose to exercise it (circular reasoning?).
As I’ve debated these questions within my own head, I’ve reached the disturbing conclusion that most of our rights have nothing to do with merit. Many live lives of honor and service, enriching society; others exist merely to consume and exploit it. Despite this disparity our society affords both groups many common privileges. Is this fair? Not really; nevertheless, it is a necessary evil born from the inability for any person or group to perfectly assign certain fundamental rights through merit-based discrimination. Case-in-point: who could possibly be trusted with the power to decide which citizens do or don’t have the right to vote? Indeed, some of the darkest chapters in our country’s history involve attempts by some people to do exactly that. The same can be said for free speech. The power to assign such privileges is simply too great, and the consequences for its abuse too disastrous, to even entertain it.
An obvious exception to this is our criminal justice system. Judges will frequently rescind the rights and privileges of those who violate the public interest. Nevertheless, even these decisions can be extremely controversial. As the exception which proves the rule, the difficulty judges face in revoking the privileges of dangerous criminals only confirms the monumental fallacy of attempting to make this same determination under less severe circumstances.
My final thought on this issue can be explained thusly: just because a person possesses something does not mean that he/she necessarily deserves it. The fact that my citizenship endows me with certain rights says nothing of my character, self-worth, or overall contribution to society. I can think of no greater pursuit in life than attempting to make ourselves worthy of the many gifts and privileges we’ve been afforded. Doing so will provide us with a greater sense of honor and meaning, and perhaps we’ll even make an honest person out of the flattering voice we hear on the television.
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