Do you believe John Howard should apologise about the injustices towards the Aboriginal People in the past? Why or Why not?
For Australia, the issue of an apology is most strongly argued by those who feel Indigenous people have suffered from European settlement, that an apology is an important part of a reconciliation process. There is widespread opposition to this gesture, most notably from Prime Minister John Howard.
Those supporting an apology suggest that it is a sign of maturity, of a willingness to face mistakes that caused suffering. It heals divisions between people, shows a deepening understanding of the life of a nation and reflects humility and honesty. The acknowledgement of guilt is not to be confused with personal guilt; rather, it acknowledges a historical responsibility. In the case of Indigenous Australians, many of whom lost family, culture and tribe, it helps to soothe the anger and frustration of those who feel affected.
Those who argue against apologising ask questions such as: What practical effect does an apology have? Wouldn't it be better to face up to current injustices? How can one atone for the past? How can people now be made responsible for what happened in the past? How can there be a "collective'' guilt, when there should only be an individual one? How can suffering be measured?
What are your feelings on the subject?
13 comments:
I believe that John howard should apologise. As Prime Minister of Australia it is his duty to apologise to the Aboriginal people. It is also his choice as a person to apologise or not. We cannot force people to do something they do not want to do, but isn't that what we did to the Aboriginal people?
I dont think he should have to apologise to no one because what if you where complety against what happened and belived that it had nothing to do with u ? then how would you feel if someone apologised on your behalf.. i know it wasnt fair on what they did to the aboriginal people and people know that, but it wasnt our fault ? the government and other groups have done alot for the aboriginal people these days to try and help them, so they cant say we have not tried and just sat back laughing at them.
Would an apology from Mr. Howard really mean anything at all? The only times I have seen expressions of sympathy from our great Prime Minister is when he was trying to create himself a positive image for elections.
Incidentally, he should make a public apology for the horrific crimes committed by past governments against the Aboriginal people. If it were just a matter of individual choice then not doing so would be understandable, but Mr. Howard is our political leader and is partly responsible for all actions of the Australian Government. I know that these events happened in the past and while we (and Mr. Howard) don’t have the opportunity to change them, we can help those who have suffered by acknowledging what they have had to experience.
I agree that what happend to The Aboriganal people is wrong but it was in the past it was AGES ago Mr Howard Saying sorry wont do any thing we have said sorry a million times has it changed any thing? NO! we can try and help now but only to a certan extent the aboriganals cant blame Australians for things that are happening now... and look at America i mean sure there are lots of Negros who are in gangs but there are heaps of white people 2 but they have gotten over it and are trying to make them self a future we can only guide the Aboriginals in the right direction we cant do it for them but on the other hand there are quite a number of hard working Aboriganals out there that just Get out there and do it...
Actions speak louder than words. I think what the government does to help the Aboriginal people live healthy and fulfilling lives is more important than an apology. I want to see action.
Annette Culley
Who am I? See my profile at http://www.instructionaldesign.com.au
No. Words speak louder than actions. He may not be able to do anything to change the past but an apology would help.
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How do words speak louder than actions. If your near dath and someone was about to shoot you and your sibling, trying to lunge at the gunmen and then the shoot you infront of your siblings is really bad compared to saying.
"i may not see you on earth ever again but i hope i will see you in heaven."
Well that's what i would like to hear at least.
I agree with annie, we need to assist Aboriginal people with employment, housing, education etc. These things are more important than a public apology, although a public apology would probably help ease the hostility some Aboriginal people have towards 'white Aussies'.
John Howard should certainly apologise. He represents the whole of Australia... including the Aboriginal people, so it is about time he started considering them.
Even if John Howard did apologise, he wouldn't mean it because, as C Ferguson said, the only time he is ever passionate is when he is campaining. He thinks it has nothing to do with him, but he represents a sorry nation, who he must swallow his pride and speak for.
I do not think that John Howard should have to apologise because he was not the one to do it, it was his annesestors and we can not change the past.
He shouldn't have to apologise, it wasn't him who did the actions.... i know it sounds bad, but what's done is done and we need to get over it
Plus, the people who were affected directly aren't even living anymore, so an apology wouldn't mean anything to the aboriginals living in Australia now.
Are you saying that every Prime Minsiter before and after John Howard has to apologise?
How many apologies need to be given????????????
I think that K.Rudd has already apologised to the stolen generation so there fore we have to argue about this anymore ! ! !
John Howard should not have to apologise becuase he was not the part of the government at the time when the stolen generation happened.
Would the aboriginal really change their way if they were apologised to? Kevin Rudd did and the aboriginals act as if they haven't been apologised to.
If John Howard did apologise, it wouldn't make a difference to most aboriginals.
you wouldent say sorry for speeking in class if you did not think it was wrong but if you its right you should always apolijys ps sorry about spelling muistakes a mcintosh
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