Resolutions calling for an apology for slavery have been proposed and rejected many times, and the most recent debate is occurring in Virginia. The discussions are heated and hostile (as they always are), with some claiming they, personally, have no responsibility, some suggesting that those who should apologize — and those to whom they would say it — are long-dead, others saying it’s a meaningless, empty symbol, and still others insisting that America has to “fix the damage”.
The institution of slavery wasn’t unique to the United States, but the aftermath is still affecting us deeply and felt keenly. Would an apology make any difference at all?
I put out my own thoughts about it here.