Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Mixed response to slave 'sorrow'

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Mixed response to slave 'sorrow'

    Mixed response to slave 'sorrow'

    Tony Blair's expression of "deep sorrow" over the UK's role in the slave trade has received a mixed response.

    Although some campaigners have called for a full apology, others have said the PM's statement was enough.

    The editor of New Nation, the newspaper which published Mr Blair's comments, said it was right to acknowledge the wrong and "now we can move on".

    But campaigners Anti-slavery International said they would like to see Mr Blair "going a bit further".

    Mr Blair's comments come ahead of official commemorations to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery.

    He said it was a "profoundly shameful" occurence, but the government has ruled out a formal apology.

    Mr Blair said: "It is hard to believe what would now be a crime against humanity was legal at the time.

    "I believe the bicentenary offers us a chance not just to say how profoundly shameful the slave trade was - how we condemn its existence utterly and praise those who fought for its abolition - but also to express our deep sorrow that it could ever have happened and rejoice at the better times we live in today."

    Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has been drawing up ideas for the 25 March anniversary, including the possibility of a "statement of regret" for Britain's involvement.

    Read more here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6187216.stm
    "Every man has his weakness. Mine was always just cigarettes."

  • #2
    There was some loon on the radio spouting claptrap about it yesterday morning. Seemed to think that the africans & arabs selling slaves to the europeans were completely innocent, while all europeans were completely guilty and should immediately hand over all their money (presumably to her). Also said that slavery practiced against anyone else (e.g. by vikings on english, romans on gauls, etc.) didn't count as slavery.
    Rule 1: Never trust a Frenchman
    Rule 2: Treat all members of the press as French

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by pdf27 View Post
      There was some loon on the radio spouting claptrap about it yesterday morning. Seemed to think that the africans & arabs selling slaves to the europeans were completely innocent, while all europeans were completely guilty and should immediately hand over all their money (presumably to her). Also said that slavery practiced against anyone else (e.g. by vikings on english, romans on gauls, etc.) didn't count as slavery.
      Slavery still goes on to this very day, but presumably we would not be considered PC if we were to point this out, or (gasp!) mention the parts of the world where it happens.
      Semper in excretum. Solum profunda variat.

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by pdf27 View Post
        There was some loon on the radio spouting claptrap about it yesterday morning. Seemed to think that the africans & arabs selling slaves to the europeans were completely innocent, while all europeans were completely guilty and should immediately hand over all their money (presumably to her). Also said that slavery practiced against anyone else (e.g. by vikings on english, romans on gauls, etc.) didn't count as slavery.
        Well, naturally it wouldnt.. Black rulers didnt realise they were selling fellow Africans into slavery.. oh no.. they thought it was an all expenses-paid holiday to Barbados....

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by glyn View Post
          Slavery still goes on to this very day, but presumably we would not be considered PC if we were to point this out, or (gasp!) mention the parts of the world where it happens.
          Not when they might possibly be important trading partners...

          Comment


          • #6
            The thing about things like this in my opinon is it is a faux apology. How can it be anything else? No one who was a slave, nor trading slaves saw this expression of deep sorrow. Sure Blair can stick the hair shirt on, but what does it really achieve?

            Rather than expressing sorrow why not celebrate the abolition of the slave trade and use it as a case study for dealing with other massive impenetrable subjects? This represents a turn around of public opinion, the fullfilment of the will of the people against an abhorrent but ultimately very profitable trade. That Britain took something that many would have thought impossible to change, that it was pre-eminent in (across the Atlantic anyway) and within 50 years had abolished the practice throughout the empire would i think be more of a message for Blair to hold out to the future. It still remembers the slave trade, but it also marks a definite point at the end of the 18th Century when we can say that we started to look at civilisation as whole.
            at

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by Trooth View Post
              The thing about things like this in my opinon is it is a faux apology. How can it be anything else? No one who was a slave, nor trading slaves saw this expression of deep sorrow. Sure Blair can stick the hair shirt on, but what does it really achieve?

              Rather than expressing sorrow why not celebrate the abolition of the slave trade and use it as a case study for dealing with other massive impenetrable subjects? This represents a turn around of public opinion, the fullfilment of the will of the people against an abhorrent but ultimately very profitable trade. That Britain took something that many would have thought impossible to change, that it was pre-eminent in (across the Atlantic anyway) and within 50 years had abolished the practice throughout the empire would i think be more of a message for Blair to hold out to the future. It still remembers the slave trade, but it also marks a definite point at the end of the 18th Century when we can say that we started to look at civilisation as whole.
              Exactly right.
              In the realm of spirit, seek clarity; in the material world, seek utility.

              Leibniz

              Comment

              Working...
              X