There is only so much an apology can do. It cannot erase the past or undo the harm that's been done. In the case of the Aboriginals of Australia, a simple "I'm sorry" went a long way. Prime Minister Rudd's apology proves that people admit wrongdoings occurred and genuinely feel remorse for the hate crimes. An apology, especially from someone as iconic as the prime minister, is the first step in mending relationships between the Aboriginals and the rest of Australia. Mixed responses following Rudd's apology show that the indigenous Australians had more positive feelings or their feelings did not change at all. According to a local Australian poll, gratification and relief were the most popular emotions that Rudd's plea evoked. This solidifies that an apology, if done correctly, never hurts.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
All in Favor of an Apology...
There is only so much an apology can do. It cannot erase the past or undo the harm that's been done. In the case of the Aboriginals of Australia, a simple "I'm sorry" went a long way. Prime Minister Rudd's apology proves that people admit wrongdoings occurred and genuinely feel remorse for the hate crimes. An apology, especially from someone as iconic as the prime minister, is the first step in mending relationships between the Aboriginals and the rest of Australia. Mixed responses following Rudd's apology show that the indigenous Australians had more positive feelings or their feelings did not change at all. According to a local Australian poll, gratification and relief were the most popular emotions that Rudd's plea evoked. This solidifies that an apology, if done correctly, never hurts.
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If an apology, done corectly, "never hurts" is, I belive, debatable. However, I think, that in this case, you are right - it is a step in the right direction. Yet, I think that to really be effective, this apology needs to be accompanied by some sort of palpable repiration or tribute to the suffering of these people. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI agree! That's the downside of Rudd's apology - no reparation was offered. Few of the Aboriginals were disappointed, feeling the need for a monetary offering for their pain and suffering. However, majority of the Aboriginals saw an apology as the long overdue recognition they deserved - that was enough for them.
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