whataboutism

Whataboutism is a rhetorical tactic in which an accuser or critic is met with a counter-accusation or critique that is irrelevant to the original point. The goal is to deflect criticism by pointing out perceived hypocrisy or wrongdoing on the part of the accuser or another party. It is a form of tu quoque, meaning "you also," argument.

The structure of a whataboutism argument typically involves responding to an accusation with "What about...?" followed by an unrelated issue. For example, if someone is criticized for a particular action, they might respond by saying, "What about when X person did something similar, or worse?" This tactic shifts the focus away from the original criticism and onto a new, often unrelated, topic.

Whataboutism is often employed in political discourse and debates. It can be used to discredit opponents, avoid accountability, or muddy the waters by introducing distractions. Critics argue that it is a logical fallacy because it does not address the substance of the original criticism but rather attempts to derail the conversation. While it may be effective in shifting public attention or creating a sense of equivalency, it does not resolve the initial issue raised. The effectiveness of whataboutism relies on the audience's willingness to be distracted or to accept the deflection. It is a common tactic used to avoid engaging with difficult questions or acknowledging fault.