The word choice ‘regret’ avoids guilt where ‘sorry’ would not
Evidence
After two years of resisting HREOC’s recommendations, and under increasing pressure from backbenchers in his own government, the media, and Indigenous leaders, Howard eventually moved a parliamentary motion expressing his “deep and sincere regret that indigenous Australians had suffered injustices under the practices of past generations” (underlining added, Hansard, 26 August, 1999, p. 9205). It is noteworthy that in this statement, Howard used the word “regret”: a word that has no implications of responsibility or guilt. Moreover, this statement of regret did not satisfy Indigenous leaders and groups, most of whom regarded the words “apology” and “sorry” as fundamental not only to acknowledging historical wrongdoings, but also to expressing guilt and remorse for these injustices. — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt, 1745
Categorization
- XREF: Relates to ch14’s distinct treatment of legal/moral guilt and to the definitional content of apologies generally. — connects to: Denying collective guilt provokes more affect than denying personal guilt — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 1167; Perceived insincere apologies backfire while unequivocal ones can advance peace. — Scott Atran, The Devoted Actor: Unconditional…, 42; Guilt requires perceived control while shame arises from uncontrollable exposure — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 219 (+1 more)
Broader Connections
- Perceived insincere apologies backfire while unequivocal ones can advance peace.
#complicates(0.75) — Scott Atran, The Devoted Actor, 42 - Guilt requires perceived control while shame arises from uncontrollable exposure
#corroborates(0.72) — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt, 219 - Intergroup apologies can make relations worse without preexisting trust.
#exemplifies(0.72) — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt, 1487