Part of what is so important about history-to me-is how it is connected to our here and now. As a social scientist, and as an individual who is directly affected by my own nation’s ugly history of enslavement and deeply embedded systemic racism, examining how nations (as represented by their elected officials) deal with past violations of the civil and human rights of a portion of their citizenry is a topic I find deeply absorbing. I also think there is much we can learn that we can apply by examining both mistakes, and contemporary attempts at redress.
Presidents, Prime Ministers, heads of state-as representatives of their countries-have, in recent years, made heartfelt statements of apology (or signed proclamations of apology) to those who suffered under regimes and programs which adversely affected those targeted by specific laws or programs.
They’ve said, “We are sorry.”
