CT Blue

We are told by the press that George Zimmerman apologized to Trayvon Martin’s parents yesterday. It is a curious thing: people, meaning the press, who live by words, so often seem to have no idea what they mean.

The word was used in today’s Day, Times and Globe, and was all over the internet yesterday.

So, class, today we are going to have a little English lesson. Here is the pertinent definition for the word “apologize”, taken from the American Heritage Dictionary, 5th Edition:

To make excuse for, or regretful acknowledgement of a fault or offense.

Here is what George Zimmerman said:

I am sorry for the loss of your son.

I had nothing to do with killing Trayvon Martin. Here is what I would say if I were to meet Trayvon Martin’s parents:

I am sorry for the loss of your son.

There are two and only two essential elements of an apology: acceptance of responsibility and regret for ones actions. Zimmerman’s statement lacks both. It is something quite different. It is an assemblage of words that he expected to be called an apology by a lazy press. His expectations were, of course, fulfilled.