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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sir Brennen" data-source="post: 8326995" data-attributes="member: 553">That he would be derided and belittled by the people he should be apologizing too is an assumption on your part (and also an assumption that this is his assumption and reason for not apologizing.) In fact, based on just the small sampling I've seen of responses to his, TSR's and other involved individuals' tweets, it seems the actual lambasting is those who do not want him to apologize.Yes, it's true that this behavior is used by some parties, particularly some you mention upthread. This is a bad-faith tactic: demanding apology for some perceived offense (often being only performatively offended), then using any apology to further bash the one apologizing. Or, using a lack of apology as evidence of guilt (again, usually of some manufactured grievance.) It's a lose-lose for the accused; an intentional trap.Most important, it's usually a tactic used by those with more power than the accused. It's often a "both-side-ism" ploy as well, trying to create false equivalencies between the powerful and those pointing about the abuse of power/privilege.At the same time, there are plenty of examples of online scandals that end with an apology, which is accepted and things move on. Sure, the internet rage machine churns on, seeking its next target, but there are still elements of forgiveness that rise above the noise. And those are worth recognizing and boosting when the apology is sincere.Also, while, yes, there are examples of unnecessary characterizations of Ernie as a person within these the threads on this topic, there's still been plenty of sympathy, discussions of his being manipulated, used as a shield, etc. And discussion amongst ourselves that a sincere apology, recognition of the harm he's caused and steps to improve/rectify would be a good thing*. Also plenty of criticism of his and his company's words (the interview was just the start), leaving character attacks out of it.  Listen to those voices. *Forgiveness is a complicated thing. It doesn't equal absolution. The injured party can still feel hurt. But IMHO, not trying to earn it is worse than trying and being rejected.</blockquote>

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