, Columnist
Mexico Needs More Than an Apology From Spain
There’s no denying the abuses of colonization, but national expressions of regret don’t always work.
Yes, he says, apologies necessary.
Photographer: PEDRO PARDO/AFPThis article is for subscribers only.
When should one nation or people apologize to another? The question is receiving renewed attention in light of Mexico’s recent demand that Spain and the Vatican apologize for their early colonization of the country. This is no trivial matter; if recent world politics shows anything, it is that symbolic questions really can make a difference.
Often one side or the other takes absolutist stands on such issues, and in fact many Spaniards are upset by the demand, which their government has firmly rejected. But history shows some pretty diverse results for how to effectively and justly remedy past wrongs.