2019: Time For An Apology?

If you're hoping to learn about the year's must-watch films, the hottest albums to drop, or the latest political controversies, the podcast Still Processing, a product of the New York Times, is essential listening. The first episode of the new year, however, is much more than essential; it is urgent—a lesson in compassion, humility, and taking responsibility.

The podcast's hosts, Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris, share what it means – in the era of Brett Kavanaugh, Kevin Hart, and #MeToo – to make a genuine, authentic apology. What are the do's and don'ts of apologies? When should or shouldn't we offer an apology? The hosts teach us about the historical roots of "apology," and share how today's society has turned us into a people who generally fail to take responsibility for our flawed behavior, and how much we hurt others because of it.

You will learn about how your seemingly harmless behavior was anything but; maybe you made fun of your sister's growing breasts, or you taunted someone on the playground, or, like me, you were at times an awful sister. Maybe, like Kevin Hart, you made derogatory and disparaging comments about the LGBTQ community and made an (arguably inadequate) attempt to apologize. Then, you will immediately think of the people who – maybe 20, 30 years ago – you harmed, and who urgently deserve an apology. You will call them, you may cry, and you will be a better person for it.

This podcast set 2019 off right, and I am grateful for it. I know you will be too!