Myisha Cherry, "Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better" (Princeton UP, 2023)

Forgiveness is a multifaceted moral practice that extends beyond the mere letting go of anger or the pursuit of reconciliation. Myisha Cherry, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Riverside, challenges traditional, narrow definitions of forgiveness by proposing a broad view that incorporates ritualistic, behavioral, and emotional dimensions. This holistic approach distinguishes forgiveness from grace, arguing that while grace may wipe the slate clean, forgiveness must acknowledge the "moral remainder" of wrongdoing and the persistence of trauma. The conversation explores the racialized expectations of forgiveness, noting how marginalized groups are often pressured to forgive systemic violence to maintain social order. By examining the failures of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the discussion highlights that political reconciliation requires a combination of truth-telling, economic justice, and reparations rather than a reliance on forgiveness rhetoric alone. Ultimately, forgiveness serves as a tool for personal and communal repair, independent of the wrongdoer’s actions or apologies.