People say all sorts of things of things when they have wronged someone and are trying to make amends. When has someone apologized, and when have they simply excused, explained, or justified their actions?
Research suggests that a comprehensive apology includes the following: remorse, acceptance of responsibility, admission of wrongdoing, acknowledgment of harm, promise of future behavior improvement, and offers of repair. Many public[and interpersonal] apologies fall short of these ideals.
Public Apology Karaoke creates a space to put the public in charge of the apology, to embody the role of the perpetrator, to satirize the wealthy, the powerful, the bigoted, the misguided, the hot-headed, the racist, the homophobic, the sexist, the abusive, and the manipulative; to celebrate sincerity, and participate in a collective catharsis.
Tonight we invite you to apologize. You may choose to perform a ready made public apology; your favorite perhaps, or a satirical performance of a particularly inadequate apology. You may alter these readymades in any way you see fit. Vicariously apologize for your lyin’ cheatin’ ways via Bill Clinton, or exaggerate the insincerity of Alec Baldwin for example. Harboring any guilt for historic atrocities, environmental disasters, or corporate recklessness? Tonight is your chance to make amends, mock the powerful, or craft the apology you wish had been made. You may instead choose to perform your own unique apology in this public setting, perhaps you have been waiting for such an opportunity. Or you may want perform a karaoke rendition of your favorite apologetic song.
