whataboutism

whataboutism

A style of rhetoric that attempts to deflect criticism or a line of questioning (rather than responding directly or addressing the issue itself) by shifting the focus to alleged inconsistences in the position of one's opponent, or alleged wrongs committed by one's opponent or other entities. It was initially associated with propaganda used by the Soviet Union. The term gets its name from the common execution of such a strategy, when one facing criticism asks, "What about (something else)?" The whataboutism on display is blatant, but somehow effective. When he brings up unrelated atrocities, people seem to lose focus immediately. A: "Oh yeah? Well, what about the fact that you left the door unlocked last night?" B: "Don't give me that whataboutism—that has nothing to do with you forgetting to take the trash out."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • whataboutery
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at doorstep
  • at expense
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
  • at (one's) expense
  • (one's) bearings
  • be remembered as (something)
  • be remembered as/for something
References in periodicals archive
Unless it is about red lines of bigotry and hatred that are used as an incitement for creation of harder borders and violent other-ing of the world, for which all who have a voice must speak without indulging in any whataboutism, I fail to comprehend the absoluteness of views vis-a-vis words and deeds of others, and categorical labelling of those who don't affect your life in the least.
I wish Hamza Ali Abbasi and Naimal Khawar a lifetime of togetherness of love and happiness
It's at this point that such comparisons usually draw a charge of "whataboutism," a scurrilous debater's dodge that's become increasingly common in the Trump era.
STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF TYRANTS: DONALD TRUMP'S RHETORIC IS BREATHTAKINGLY AUTHORITARIAN, BUT SO FAR HE'S DONE LESS THAN HIS PREDECESSORS TO EXPAND EXECUTIVE POWER
This is pure "whataboutism." And it brings us to the heart of a problem we all have with Iran (as with any state or organization founded upon the principles of political Islamism): Its claim to be the only disinterested, authentic and truly moral actor in the region.
The double standards at the heart of Iran's Islamist regime
And the latest strategy here seems to whataboutism. Yeah, Russia may have interfered, but what about China now interfering to help the Democrats!
6 take-aways from Trump's '60 Minutes' interview
Those who gained traction by scolding others for corruption, but when in power, out-corrupt their predecessors, often lead us to forget their hypocrisy through distractions and 'whataboutism.'
Alliances are as strong as the level of truth they can bear
Those who believe that Russia is an increasingly malign power must also confront "whataboutism": the argument that, when it comes to meddling in elections, the West, led by the United States, has been at the fore.
Russia's malign shadow
When asked about this absurd accounting practice, Bubak, the Railways CEO, engaged in an even more absurd case of whataboutism. 'The cost of transporting goods on trucks or by air is way higher than the cost of transporting them through rail.
Could Saad Rafique end up fixing much more than the railways?
Without qualifying it as a Pandora's box, as the past alleged partisanship of various judges for various reasons in various cases against leaders of various parties, reported to be controversial or objectionable, is neither new nor shocking, what must be said without any whataboutism: Judge Malik must recuse himself from all cases he's presently overseeing.
Who is Maryam Nawaz Sharif's biggest enemy?
Any questions about human rights abuses are quickly countered with 'whataboutism' and comparisons with arch-enemy Armenia.
Cyber soldiers
Oftentimes, non-mainstream "news" outlets trade in opinion, advocacy journalism, whataboutism, conspiracy theories and worse.
Skepticism vs. cynicism: Verify, but learn to trust
The questions are many, and they are in your face, despite the glib and slick whataboutism, blame shifting, and finger pointing of the opposition parties
Imran Khan cannot be blamed for Pakistan's current agony
Its beneficiaries come in all shapes, sizes and moral whataboutism. It is here, and it is there, and it is everywhere.
Pakistan is a victim of corruption and Imran Khan has pledged to fight it
Don't let "whataboutism" reveal you as an unworthy debate opponent.
Becoming better at disagreeing on digital