Power, guilt and apology

Abstract

The relationship of power with the belief in the superiority of one group over another has always generated conflicts, which have often had devastating consequences for disadvantaged groups. Recent changes in thought structures have brought to the most recent generations of certain peoples, feelings of guilt derived from the actions of their ancestors. This guilt brings a sense of obligation to apologise to the people who suffered the consequences of their ancestors' actions. In cases where this need to apologise is felt at a national level, leaders of a given country will sometimes carry out an official apology. This paper looks at 2 very recent cases in collective memory. The first case to study is Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's Apology to the "Lost Generations". The second case is the Apology of Pope John Paul II for the sins committed by the Catholic Church.