COLONIAL SYMPATHIES: REAGAN'S GRENADA APOLOGY

In 1983, US President Ronald Reagan apologised to then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for the US invasion of Grenada, which was carried out without informing her. The apology came during a phone call as the invasion was underway, with Reagan expressing regret for any 'embarrassment' caused to Thatcher, given Grenada's status as a Commonwealth nation.

This apology is quite telling of how invaders regard each other versus the people they invade. While they dehumanise and show no regard for those subjected to their oppression and brutality, they courteously extend recognition to one another. Reagan's apology to Thatcher can be viewed quite simply as a form of recognition among the thieves.

Here, we break down the colonial apology for what it is.