Whataboutism is a logical fallacy that attempts to discredit an opponent's argument by raising a different issue. It is often used to deflect criticism or to avoid taking responsibility for one's own actions.
The term "whataboutism" was first used to describe Soviet propaganda during the Cold War. However, it is now a common tactic used by politicians, pundits, and even everyday people.
For example, if someone criticizes the United States for its military spending, a whataboutist might respond by saying, "What about China? They spend even more on their military." The whataboutist is not actually addressing the criticism of the United States, but is instead trying to change the subject to China.
Whataboutism is a form of **tu quoque**, which is Latin for "you too." Tu quoque arguments attempt to discredit an opponent's argument by pointing out that they have also done something wrong. For example, if someone criticizes you for cheating on a test, you might respond by saying, "What about you? You cheated on a test last year."
Tu quoque arguments are not always fallacious. Sometimes, they can be used to point out hypocrisy. However, they are often used simply to deflect criticism or to avoid taking responsibility.
How to Avoid Whataboutism
There are a few things you can do to avoid falling into the trap of whataboutism:
Stay focused on the issue at hand. Don't let your opponent try to change the subject.
Address the criticism directly. Don't try to deflect it by bringing up something else.
Be willing to admit when you're wrong. If you've made a mistake, don't try to justify it. Just apologize and move on.
Conclusion
Whataboutism is a logical fallacy that can be used to deflect criticism or to avoid taking responsibility. It is important to be aware of this fallacy so that you can avoid falling into it. If you find yourself using whataboutism, take a step back and try to address the criticism directly.
