When “I’m Sorry” Cannot Be Said: The Evolution of Political Apology

Jacob Justice University of Mississippi ; Brett Bricker University of Kansas

Abstract

ABSTRACT Every social order depends on a pathway to atonement for those who breach behavioral expectations. However, observers from a variety of fields now agree that the United States has entered an age of non-apology, where the two words “I’m sorry” simply cannot be said, particularly by powerful men facing allegations of sexual misconduct. This essay draws attention to, and comments upon, this trend. We first identify the sociopolitical factors that have inaugurated the era of non-apology, namely growing political polarization. We then explain the consequences of this shift in societal expectations surrounding apology. This state of affairs, which associates genuine apology with emasculation and defeat, is harmful: it foments a toxic culture that will not allow redress for survivors of sexual assault and harassment; and it provides no answers to complex questions of how society can address the guilt of those who engage in sexual misconduct.

Journal
Philosophy & Rhetoric
Published
2022-04-01
DOI
10.5325/philrhet.55.1.0111
Open Access
Closed

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (0)

No articles in this index cite this work.

Cites in this index (1)

  1. Philosophy & Rhetoric
Also cites 4 works outside this index ↓
  1. “Blending Politics and Entertainment: Dan Quayle versus Murphy Brown.”
    Southern Communication Journal  
  2. “Not the Best: What Rush Limbaugh’s Apology to Sandra Fluke Reveals about Image Restorati…
    Journal of Radio & Audio Media  
  3. “The Emerging Practice of Institutional Apologies.”
    International Journal of Applied Philosophy  
  4. “Toward a Theory of Simulated Atonement: A Case Study of President George W. Bush’s Respo…
    Communication Studies  
CrossRef global citation count: 1 View in citation network →