A Rhetorical Strategy That Deflects Criticism

What is Whataboutism?

A Rhetorical Strategy That Deflects Criticism

What is Whataboutism?

Whataboutism is a rhetorical strategy that deflects criticism by pointing to similar or worse behavior by others. The term was first coined by British philosopher and historian R.G. Collingwood in 1940, and it has since become a common tactic used by politicians and other public figures to avoid answering tough questions.

Whataboutism can take many forms. It can be as simple as responding to a criticism with a question like, "What about [insert criticism here]?" It can also be more complex, such as when someone tries to justify their own actions by pointing to someone else who has done something similar.

Whataboutism is a logical fallacy because it does not address the original criticism. Instead, it simply tries to shift the focus of the conversation to something else. This can be a very effective way to avoid having to answer difficult questions, but it is also a very dishonest tactic.

If you are ever accused of whataboutism, the best thing to do is to simply address the original criticism. If you cannot do that, then you should at least acknowledge that you are using whataboutism.