Apologies & Atonement: James Rae Parnell (Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word)

We are all taught that apologies are important to resolve conflicts. They have an important function in our society- in personal relationships, between governments and citizens, corporations and consumers, celebrities and fans.

But so often people are criticized for making bad apologies. In this BARTALK, we wonder: what makes a good apology? What are models of seeking atonement for your actions? What does justice look like for historical wrongdoings? What does it take to accept an apology?

In this episode Yun Lee talks to co-host James Parnell about interpersonal conflict, cancel culture, and why sorry seems to be the hardest word.

Hosted by Yun Lee
Produced by Hans Poel
Transcribed by Sarafina van Ast
You can find more of James Parnell here and follow his Instagram here.

References:

Buy a copy of Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Fucking Cancelled Podcast
Mia Mingus apology
Listen to the story of Dan Harmon’s apology on This American Life
12-step - Twelve-step programs are mutual aid organizations for the purpose of recovery from substance addictions, behavioral addictions and compulsions.
Dick Laurie, “How do we forgive our fathers?”- poem from the film Smoke Signals (1998)