Whataboutery meaning

Whataboutery definitions

What is Whataboutery?

Whataboutery is a rhetorical tactic that involves responding to an accusation or difficult question by making a counter-accusation or raising a different issue. It is a form of deflection that aims to shift the focus away from the original topic and onto something else. This technique is often used in debates, discussions, and arguments to avoid addressing the main point or to discredit the original argument.

Origins of Whataboutery

Whataboutery has its roots in the Soviet Union, where it was used as a propaganda tool to deflect criticism of the Soviet government. The term itself is believed to have originated during the Cold War era. Whataboutery became a common tactic employed by Soviet officials to avoid discussing human rights abuses and other controversial topics by pointing out similar issues in Western countries.

How Whataboutery Works

When someone engages in whataboutery, they will typically respond to an accusation by saying something like, "What about (insert different issue)?" or "But (insert counter-accusation)?" This tactic is intended to create a diversion and shift the focus of the conversation. By bringing up a different issue, the person engaging in whataboutery hopes to undermine the original argument or accusation.

Why Whataboutery is Problematic

Whataboutery is often seen as a dishonest or manipulative tactic because it avoids addressing the original point and instead deflects attention elsewhere. By deflecting and changing the subject, the person engaging in whataboutery can sidestep accountability and avoid having to defend their position or actions. This can be frustrating for those trying to engage in a meaningful discussion or debate.

Dealing with Whataboutery

When faced with whataboutery in a conversation or debate, it is important to stay focused on the original topic and not be swayed by attempts to deflect. One way to handle whataboutery is to acknowledge the different issue raised but then steer the conversation back to the original point. It is also helpful to point out the tactic being used and insist on addressing the initial argument before moving on to other topics.

Overall, whataboutery is a common but problematic rhetorical tactic that is used to deflect attention and avoid addressing difficult questions or accusations. By staying focused on the main point and not being swayed by attempts to change the subject, one can effectively counteract whataboutery and keep the conversation on track.

Whataboutery Examples

1. When discussing climate change, he always resorts to whataboutery by bringing up other countries' pollution levels.
2. She used whataboutery as a distraction technique when confronted about her own behavior.
3. The politician's response was filled with whataboutery, deflecting from the main issue at hand.
4. During the debate, he continuously engaged in whataboutery to avoid directly addressing the question.
5. Whataboutery is a common tactic used in arguments to shift focus away from the topic at hand.
6. Instead of accepting responsibility, he resorted to whataboutery, pointing fingers at others instead.
7. The whataboutery used by the company in their statement was seen as a way to avoid accountability.
8. She noticed her friend's whataboutery when he tried to justify his actions by bringing up unrelated examples.
9. Whataboutery often derails conversations and prevents meaningful dialogue from taking place.
10. The whataboutery employed by the defendant failed to convince the jury of his innocence.

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