Tire Rack Coupon Code
In 1697, a judge and jury said they were sorry for the Salem
witch trials. In 1919, Germany admitted they were wrong for
starting World War II, and offered up some money. In 1970, they
offered another apology, and again in 1990. In 1985, Japan said
they were sorry for World War II.
The words ‘I’m sorry,’ are probably two of the
most important words in any language after the words ‘I
love you.’ One country’s leaders often demand an
apology after they feel wronged by another country. If that
country refuses to say they are sorry, there may be war, or a so
called cold war. Countries may even try to force an apology, such
as Iran for example, who tried to force the U.S. to say sorry
before they would release U.S. hostages. The U.S. refused, and
after Carter left and Reagan entered office, they were finally
released.
Groups who were abused by governments may demand an apology from
government leaders, and fight to get one. When governments or
even individuals do apologize to the one who feels wronged, it
obviously does not erase the past, or clear the pain they may
still carry in full, yet the simple words, ‘I am
sorry’ by one party who another party feels wronged by, may
help the injured party feel that their accuser values their
feelings, their life, and realizes that they made a mistake, did
them wrong, and regret it. The apology therefore may help to ease
their pain or anger, and speed up any forgiveness or at least
come to terms better with what animosity they may feel. If one
wrongs another, and the other party refuses to apologize, even
going so far as to deny the event even occurred, it may rub salt
in the wounds of an already hurt person.
Having dealt with some of the greatest egos in the entertainment
industry, to the biggest egos in other groups as an indie rock
magazine publisher, I have met those who believe that all actions
are deliberate, and that therefore the words ‘I’m
sorry,’ which connotes regret, is not valid and should
never be said. I have even dealt with those who worship the ego
as a religion, putting themselves above all others, with all that
is outside of them viewed as secondary, only to fulfill their
ego’s desire. In both of these groups, and with star
celebrities and huge power players, I have heard them all say the
words ‘I am sorry.’ If not, as an act of belief in
accordance with their own philosophy, but at least, as an act of
respect, indicating the position that they realize they can not
always be the center of the universe if they are to cooperate
with another in business, or life. By these two words, they make
it known that they are not always perfect, make mistakes, and
didn’t intend to do wrong to another, and wish to carry on
favorably.
Now, it is quite irritating when a person starts sounding like a
broken record, constantly saying they are sorry, and doing the
same thing over and over again. That basically invalidates the
whole point of an apology. However, with smaller actions, bad
habits can be hard to break, and one should take in to account if
a person is trying to better them self, or just using those two
magic words as an ‘out‘ to be a repeat
offender.
One of the big reasons I see models and talent fail in Hollywood,
is the same reason nations fail to get along with other nations.
Failure to communicate effectively, being victim of their own
overblown ego, and failure to apologize. The words
‘I’m sorry’ won’t bring total peace on
Earth, but I can assure you, that with those two simple magic
words, it can certainly help free up some conflict, re-build some
bridges, and move things forward towards a place of success,
creation and progress, rather than to a point of resentment,
anger, hostility, and destruction which can lead to death.
As survival and happiness should be among your number one goals,
if you do some one wrong, whether accidental or not, it may be in
your best interest to make a statement of apology. It not only
may save your life or at least a business deal, but when it comes
down to it, its just good form. This month, in 2009, the United
States government finally apologized for African-American
slavery. If a government's not too important to apologize, why
can’t we all when necessary?
- Bruce Edwin, Editor, ® The Hollywood Sentinel