Some Words on Passive Apologies

This is not really a "200 Words" entry, but it is a pet peeve of mine.

Over here (ok, actually, I followed a series of links that started over at WWdN), I read another one of those faux-apologies: "I sincerely apologize to those who were offended by my remarks." Others have commented on the use of such passive language, but let me reiterate. You should not and cannot apologize for the actions of others. The best and only thing to do is to apologize for your own. Do not apologize "to those who were offended by my remarks;" rather, apologize "for offending people with my remarks." Anything else is insincere and pointless. Take responsibility for your own behavior and do not unload it onto others through passive, pseudo-apologies.

My comments are not an attack on the specific issue involved in the apology. You see this kind of language all the time from politicians, celebrities, and everyday people. It is a way to weasel out of direct culpability by placing the emphasis on those who were offended. And it is wrong.