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
46 Responses to ““Sorry if you were offended” does not cut it, Diane”
william edwards
RT @leftfootfwd: “Sorry if you were offended” does not cut it, Diane http://t.co/OsGpifRT
Knut Cayce
RT @leftfootfwd: “Sorry if you were offended” does not cut it, Diane http://t.co/xxCECo1o #Abbott
Blake Fitch
RT @leftfootfwd: “Sorry if you were offended” does not cut it, Diane http://t.co/xxCECo1o #Abbott
nana
Kerrirenee
From your own drab comments, YOU HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THE CONSTANT DEEP ROOTED RACISM PRACTICED BY WHITES!
As a black person, Miss Abbott’s statement rings so true. I experience it daily. The only thing I can say is that white people DO NOT BLACKS TO TELL THEM THAT THEY ARE RACIST.
Whether they like it or not, they are INHERENTLY RACIST (talking from 34 years experience in the UK).
When you accept that you have a fault (instead of denying it), then you can truly look at how to correct that fault. The wording Miss Abbott has used in her ‘apology’ is even better than any white person would give to the black community. A white person would deem it stooping too low to apologize. instead they come smiling with gifts and expect that to compensate for their offense. Only to continue their ugly racism again and can never understand a black person from being upset or angry. WE ARE FED UP.
next time a black colleague at work (if there are any in your work place) is being ill treated – open your mind and eyes and ears (if you dare) and you will see that your white colleagues are practicing racism. secondly they exercise ‘Divide and rule’ to stop other colleagues from giving that black person support. this divide and rule practice will first be applied to other black staff so that blacks don;t talk to each other in the work place!
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[…] also: • “Sorry if you were offended” does not cut it, Diane – Daniel Elton, January 5th […]