The evangelical ritual of the public grovel.
In the last few years prominent public figures have been making public confessions with increasing frequency - whether it be Boris Johnson or Bill Clinton. So why do some public figures who are willing to admit a public sin, weather the crisis unscathed, while others seem to make their situation worse? Professor Susan Wise Bauer, in her new book ‘The Art of the Public Grovel’ traces the history of public confession in modern America. She explains to Jane why Bill Clinton mastered the art of a perfect confession but others, like John Edwards, failed. They are joined by the novelist and journalist Yvonne Roberts.
‘The Art of the Public Grovel’ Sexual Sin and Public Confession in America’ by Susan Wise Bauer ISBN 978 0 691 13810-7
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