Britain marked the 200th anniversary of the laws abolishing the British slave trade this past Sunday. The commemorative event was held in Ghana at the Elmina Castle, which was the first slave-trading post in sub-Saharan Africa. Prime Minister Tony Blair attended the event and remarked that the UK's role in the slave trade is a matter of "deep sorrow and regret." These comments come after the Archbishop of York. Dr. John Sentamu, has called on the UK to formally apologize for its role in the slave trade.
Although the president made a number of strong statements recognizing the inhumanity of the slave trade, many people believe that he did not go far enough. Sentamu agrees, arguing, "A nation of this quality should have the sense of saying we are very sorry." A spokes person for Blair responded to requests for a further apology, by stating, "We must now look to the future."
It is important to note on the 200th anniversary of the UK's Laws Abolishing the British Slave Trade, modern slavery still exists around the world. Human trafficking, forced labor and present day genocide, like the Transatlantic slave trade, are all crimes against humanity.
Is a formal apology for something that happened 200 years ago necessary? or, Is it time to concentrate on what we can do in future? Perhaps we should do both. It is time that we learn from our history and prevent these crimes from happening again.
Monday, March 26, 2007
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4 comments:
Although it obviously it is not the same people 200 years later that would be apologizing for the slave trade, I still think that it is important for a formal apology now. The British government has gotten close to apologizing and beaten around the bush so they just need to take the last leap to the three simple words: “We are sorry.” If they are going to help people feel better and ease their pain with such a simple statement, they might as well say it. Then everyone can move on and begin concentrating on the future.
I agree. I think that officially, the British government should say they are sorry, but I also think that the British people and groups asking for recognition from the government should move on after they receive such recognition and possible remunerations. A French philosopher called Alain Finkielkraut, son of a man held in Auschwitz, argued that continuous repentance for events that happened in the past is not a sign of humility but in fact is a sign of arrogance. This argument is very interesting, especially coming from him. By continuously mentioning that past, we are in other words saying that the present is somehow better. This of course cloaks today’s problems and does not allow us to look at them objectively.
Tying this to the Rwanda genocide, let’s stop repenting for the mistakes done in the past and start trying to find a solution to Darfur. Words are always easier than action… A call to all politicians.
Slavery 200 years ago has greatly oppressed many, even today. Few will argue against this. But personally, I do not know what a formal apology will accomplish. Yes, respect needs to be given to former slaves and their descendents but I am not sure how much meaning a formal apology will have. I think that people should be concerned about present race relations and an apology about slavery 200 years ago will do little to improve the current situation.
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