Recent lapses in public policy for some of the world’s most famous people have us asking if their apologies are really sincere.

For the purposes of comparison of public policy only, we’ve noticed inconsistencies in recent events concerning Mel Gibson and the Pope.

For example, Gibson was arrested July 28 for driving under the influence of alcohol. During his arrest, he harassed officers and shouted anti-Semitic remarks. He later apologized — after receiving much criticism from some of the world’s Jewish leaders.

Another recent example is last weekend’s controversy regarding the Pope, who made remarks that were interpreted as being against Islam in a speech. This, in turn, prompted fierce criticism from the world’s Muslim leaders.

Both men apologized, but we must question who is conducting public policy for them and why they allowed these events to happen in the first place.

We also question the sincerity of the statements made by these men. Considering the details surrounding each situation, the apologies afterward seem forced and insincere.

When they placed themselves in the public’s eye, these figures assumed an added responsibility in society to be positive role models for everyone.

We agree that apologizing was the most appropriate thing to do in both situations. However, both unfortunate situations should, and could have been prevented had either figure stopped for a moment to think about what they were doing or saying.

NIU students also can take some of these lessons to heart if they work pro-actively to consider their words and actions and how others might perceive them.