In the past few months, we’ve witnessed a wave of women coming forward with stories of sexual harassment and abuse by powerful, often famous men. The stories have been gutting and brave and are changing the shape of the conversation around sexual assault and harassment.
These stories have also put the onus on the men accused to come forward with statements, either defending their innocence or apologizing.
And while it’s important to take apologies at face value (and perhaps we should be grateful we’re hearing them at all), many of the notes of regret have been missing a few crucial words. Namely, words such as “sorry” or “I apologize.”
This week’s Divided States of Women talks to Marjorie Ingall, an expert in apologies, and discusses what should be included in an apology. Hint: It should probably start with saying you’re sorry.