Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Apologies
Can anyone explain to me how public "official" apologies for hideous acts in history are useful or beneficial? (For example, the recent apology by the House of Representatives for slavery and Jim Crow). The whole effort feels very artificial and half-assed and doesn't seem to make much of a difference. Am I missing something? (Solon, I suspect that you have a lengthy explanation at the ready...)
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2 comments:
There is a lot to this story as is the case with most political stories. Here is the text of H.R. 194
First, as an apologia, this is a straight confession of guilt. This rarely happens.
Second, Congress, as well as the states, issue apologies long after the fact to declare that they accept that their actions were wrong. This can be a monumental announcement as only FIVE states have apologized for slavery. This bill in Congress covers Slavery and Jim Crow laws, which still effect the South. Mississippi has not been very progressive in race relations and fought the Voting Rights Act until the 1980s. Since individuals in the Mississippi, as well as other states, suffer from the effects of slavery and Jim Crow, issuing an apology forces the issue a bit and helps people to acknowledge reconciliation needs to occur.
Third, it lays the foundation for more political reconciliation. Yet, in order to move forward, you must acknowledge guilt. Think of all of the recent "racial" comments in the political campaigns. Race is an easy subject to divide the electorate and gain votes. Three states will decide the fate of affirmative action through initiatives. If the argument is that
Last, there is the political angle, as it concerns a representative is attempting to pass legislation for his constituents. He also is subject to challenger from the Democratic Party.
merci beaucoup, Solon :) An excellent explanation, as usual.
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