| − | '''Historical apologism''' is a tendency of some, typically [[liberal]], [[historians]] to attempt to apologise for actions in the past, judged by standards of the present. For example, apologising "on behalf of the white race" for slavery in the [[United States]], despite the fact that both the slave-owners and slaves are long since dead, and supporting "compensation" to African-Americans, by virtue of the crimes of another generation. | + | '''Historical apologism''' is a tendency of some, typically [[liberal]], [[historians]] to attempt to apologise for actions in the past, judged by standards of the present. For example, apologising "on behalf of the white race" for [[slavery]] in the [[United States]], despite the fact that both the slave-owners and slaves are long since dead, and supporting "compensation" to [[African-American]]s, by virtue of the crimes of another generation. |
| | Historical apologism can be said to violate the principle of [[justice]] that a person cannot be tried for the crimes of their ancestors. Leading [[law]] expert Richard Carter described such an idea as "setting an absurd precedent; should the [[Italians]] apologise for the actions of the [[Romans]], the [[Mexicans]] for the [[Aztecs]]?" | | Historical apologism can be said to violate the principle of [[justice]] that a person cannot be tried for the crimes of their ancestors. Leading [[law]] expert Richard Carter described such an idea as "setting an absurd precedent; should the [[Italians]] apologise for the actions of the [[Romans]], the [[Mexicans]] for the [[Aztecs]]?" |