What are words? When used properly and honestly they may be very powerful. But they can just as easily be used dishonestly to no real meaning at all. The word sorry is used to express regret and when used honestly in this way it is a powerful step towards creating forgiveness and reconciliation among people and peoples. When used dishonestly its effect is lost.
But even a dishonest sorry may be an important step if those we apologize to believe (falsely) the sincerity of the speaker. On the other hand, even an honest sorry may be disbelieved.
Creativity/Machine reports that the Australian Prime Minister will say sorry to Indigenous Australians, and especially to the members of the Stolen Generations, on behalf of the Parliament and successive Governments. Shamefully, it comes more than a decade after the Bringing Them Home report. It’s very significant, it’s about time, and it’s (only) a start.
Governments and their representatives have a hard time using the little word – especially for past injustices. It probably should be easier to apologize for an injustice which one was not involved in. Especially if silence may be seen as condoning a past wrong. And yet for fear of losing face or weakness politicians dislike apologizing – even if their words, sincere or not, bring relief to many people.
Update: The Australian government has apologized openly, honestly and sincerely. Impressive and also nice to see my cynical side proven wrong.