When Diane Abbott apologised for “any offence caused” over her racist comments, it was not a real apology - which is worse than none at all.
Last month, Left Foot Forward criticised Nazi-theme party attender/organiser Tory MP Aiden Burley for his non-apology over the issue.
Alex Hern wrote:
The MP has apologised – twice – albeit choosing his words carefully.
His first apology came in the original article:
“There was clearly inappropriate behaviour by some of the other guests and I deeply regret that this happened.
“I am extremely sorry for any offence that will undoubtedly have been caused.”
He made a similar statement on Twitter the day after. It may simply be that he doesn’t know that “I’m sorry” and “I’m sorry other people were bad and that you were offended” are different, but as apologies go, it leaves much to be desired.
Well, Diane Abbott has pulled a similar trick with her non-apology, following her twitter comments last night that ‘White people love playing divide & rule’
She said:
“I understand people have interpreted my comments as making generalisations about white people.
“I do not believe in doing that. I apologise for any offence caused.”
Something is either OK or is wrong. If it is OK, there’s no need for an apology but if it’s wrong, one is needed.
What Diane Abbott said was wrong and she needs to apologise for it – not any effect it had. Politicans need to learn that a weasel-worded apology is worse than none at all.
See also:
• Nazi Party Tory is sorry you were offended – Alex Hern, December 12th 2011
• Action must be taken whenever racism rears its ugly head – including in sport – Sabby Dhalu, December 13th 2011
• Too many on the Left are continuing to promote Islamic extremists – George Readings, November 12th 2011
• Four old acquaintances that Livingstone should forget – Daniel Elton, May 3rd 2011
• The dehumanising rhetoric undermining the student movement – David Barclay, April 17th 2011
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46 Responses to ““Sorry if you were offended” does not cut it, Diane”
Anonymous
What’s the problem?
Some bankers screwed up or committed crimes, so Labour thinks all bankers must be punished.
Some blacks stab people, so does Labour think all blacks are criminals?
Sweeping generalisations when its suits, naughty Diane Abbot when its embarrassing.
Ray Duffy
“Sorry if you were offended” does not cut it, Diane: http://t.co/1EJgXkuc – @DanielElton on the Diane Abbott race row ‘apology’
frank
As a white man I can say that I wasnt in the least offended by Diane Aboot’s comments. Is it not true that white people do conspire against black people? Isn’t that what the term ‘institutional racism’ means?
Macpherson established this as fact- beyond doubt. If it doesnt mean that, it means nothing. Not for the first time the victim (a black women) is treated as the perpetrator.
Natalie Dzerins
Pull the other one. She was tweeting, a medium which allows 140 characters. Look at a history book for examples of colonialism. Click some of the other links in comments.
Also, I’d suggest you read up on power systems and what oppression means. You may have a busy day ahead.
I’ll just leave this link here: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/07/15/884649/-Why-theres-no-such-thing-as-Reverse-Racism
Selohesra
Credit where its due you are being consistant – the left cannot go for the faux outrage when a Tory makes remarks like that and then let her get away with it. Having said that I doubt anyone is really offended by her remarks and the reaction is really fueled by revenge for similar attacks by Labour on their opponents recently. I actually quite like Dianne – seems to have more of a human side than some politicians