A while back, I got hassled simultaneously by white supremacists and a single white leftist on X. (Uncharacteristically, black Leftists usually leave me alone.)
I tend not to get into arguments on X because they are time wasters, but I did that time and it was a lot of fun! I gained many re-tweets (sic) and not a few new followers.
And, as I reflect on the two groups - white supremacists and white leftists - I would almost say that they are two sides of the same coin, but that’s not quite true; white supremacists are more honest. However, both are equal in mendacity and in cowardice. Both sets with which I interacted took my words and twisted them to suit their own agendas. And both are intent on making sure that the group(s) for which they advocate or hate get what they deserve.
Deserve.
For many years that word has irritated me. It’s defined as “to be worthy of reward or punishment” and the reason it bothers me is very Christian, in that the only thing we all deserve is (the second) death. And, we all have to die once, with a few exceptions.
So when anyone talks about what they or another deserves in this earthly realm, it’s silly. One doesn’t even have to pay attention to Christianity to see this. Often do evil people earn/receive lots of money and live in luxury. Often martyred are servants of the Living God.
There’s even a secular saying that acknowledges the ridiculousness of expecting just, earthly deserts: no good deed goes unpunished.
So, one can imagine what I think about the deserts of those whose ancestors were persecuted by another set of people.
Or the deserts of those whose ancestors were diligent and inventive.
Or the deserts of those who pretend to be the saviors of another group of people, while actually believing that group to be inferior and only fit for cannon fodder for the revolution they are planning.
Or even those who think they deserve something for the wondrous blackness, brownness, pinkness or translucence of their stinking hides.
Oh wait. Did I repeat myself?
You deserve nothing, pinheads. Neither do I.
If you were smart, you’d realize this and take your eyes off of “me, me, me,” and turn to the One greater than us all…
If you were smart…
Well, miracles do happen.
*****
From my landlord:
I'm surprised to be the first to quote Eastwood in Unforgiven:
"Deserve's got nothin' to do with it."
As you note, it isn't up to any of us to dictate what one "deserves."