Introduction
An apology is a regretful acknowledgement of a fault or disappointment. The interpretation of an apology depends on the individual making or receiving the apology. An apology is a single act that does not suppose a problem’s disentanglement, concession or an adjudication attempt. Instead, an apology is a ritual act of the two parties involved that may provide a way for reconciliation. An apology serves as a symbol of clemency.
Description of Apology
An apology combines the mention of the expressive act of apologizing and the performance of the act simultaneously. Apologize is defined as a performativity verb because of the combination of the expression and the naming aspects of the action of apologizing. To complete the acknowledgement of an offense, the apology must include the actual reference of what was committed, recognition of the charge, regret and pronouncement of future actions.
Some people believe that an apology is an admission of guilt and therefore they refrain from making an apology unless the circumstances are clearly visible and point to them as the wrong doers. To others, an apology is a form of emotional expression not linked to any aspect of liability. In this case, an apology is offered as a show of sympathy for the person hurt or the parties involved in a discomfort.
In conflict situations, a party may demand an apology as a ploy to position the demanding party as the holder of more power than the other party. In this case, the apology serves as a white flag stopping further conflict and signalling the intention for the parties to resolve their disputes through a compromise. The party making the apology becomes the weaker party and their resolve to make an apology to the other party expresses their desire against a repeat of the conflict.
Conclusion
An apology may be voluntary or demanded by the offended party in a dispute. In most cases, offering an apology refers to an admission of failure. A person’s view of an apology varies with their upbringing.