Whataboutism is a rhetorical deflection of criticism by trying to switch the topic to a different subject...
Or at least, that is how most disingenuous people would describe it. In truth, "Whataboutism" is commonly invoked by an individual wishing to dodge any acknowledgement of hypocrisy when its pointed out by their peers or debate opponet.
Or at least, that is how most disingenuous people would describe it. In truth, "Whataboutism" is commonly invoked by an individual wishing to dodge any acknowledgement of hypocrisy when its pointed out by their peers or debate opponet.
Man 1: January 6th is absolutely the worst event to occur in US history. It dwarfs 9/11, Hiroshima and anyone who disagrees with me is a terrorist.
Man 2: If you feel this strong about January 6th, why weren't you complaining about the Blacklivesmatter riots last summer, which resulted in more death, more damage and the spread of COVID?
Man 1: Whataboutism.
Man 2: No, you're just a bad faith actor.
Man 2: If you feel this strong about January 6th, why weren't you complaining about the Blacklivesmatter riots last summer, which resulted in more death, more damage and the spread of COVID?
Man 1: Whataboutism.
Man 2: No, you're just a bad faith actor.
by Snap blackjack_tap January 29, 2022
Get the Whataboutism mug.Whataboutism is a deflection tactic mainly employed by liberals and leftists when called out for their double standards, selective outrage, cognitive dissonance and hypocrisy. It is the favorite go to word that these people use to gaslight their critics.
Person 1. How can you call Trump a racist when Biden is on video saying even more racist things and you have never been upset or called him out for that?
Person 2. What about Biden? This is all about Trump and is nothing but Whataboutism!
Person 2. What about Biden? This is all about Trump and is nothing but Whataboutism!
by sbohandley August 19, 2022
Get the Whataboutism mug.Using an unusually stupid example of wrongdoing to try and excuse other wrongdoing. When in reality it just makes both examples wrong.
"It's okay for China to collect our metadata because the US did the same thing and used it to hunt terrorists in Yemen"
"Dude, that is the stupidest whataboutism I have ever heard. If you think it's wrong against terrorists then why the hell do you think it's okay to do the same against anyone else? If one is wrong then they're both wrong, dumbass."
"Dude, that is the stupidest whataboutism I have ever heard. If you think it's wrong against terrorists then why the hell do you think it's okay to do the same against anyone else? If one is wrong then they're both wrong, dumbass."
by Davezilla July 6, 2019
Get the Whataboutism mug.When you deflect criticism by pointing out flaws in your opponent, specifically using the phrase "what about x?" This is an attempt to excuse you from changing you behavior by painting your opponent as a hypocrite.
Dad: Son, you haven't cleaned your room in two years. Please clean it up.
Son: Why are you always telling me to clean my room? What about YOUR room? Or what about your relation with mom? Shouldn't YOU be the one cleaning up your life?
Dad: Quit your whataboutism and clean your damn room. I'm tired of seeing that dead rat over there in the corner.
Son: Why are you always telling me to clean my room? What about YOUR room? Or what about your relation with mom? Shouldn't YOU be the one cleaning up your life?
Dad: Quit your whataboutism and clean your damn room. I'm tired of seeing that dead rat over there in the corner.
by JohnW22 May 16, 2016
Get the whataboutism mug.1.) An Individual who engages in Whataboutery: A propaganda technique where criticisms are deflected by raising corresponding criticisms of the opposite side.
2.) An individual who tries a "back door" defense of one's bad actions by framing a similar situation as alleged proof of a double-standard. With this they are attempting to provide a defense of the individual while at the same time, avoiding association with said bad action.
2.) An individual who tries a "back door" defense of one's bad actions by framing a similar situation as alleged proof of a double-standard. With this they are attempting to provide a defense of the individual while at the same time, avoiding association with said bad action.
Mike: I can't believe "Roseanne" was canceled for making racist statements while "The View" is still on the air. After all, they've said worse about Trump.
Dan: Stop being a Whatabouter.
Mike: But what about Whoopi!!?!?!?
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Judge: Mr. Ramapovich, this court having found you guilty of 1st degree murder of your ex-wife Suzanne, I hereby sentenced you to the term of Life in Prison without the possibility of parole . . .
Defendant: BUT WHAT ABOUT OJ!?????????
Dan: Stop being a Whatabouter.
Mike: But what about Whoopi!!?!?!?
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Judge: Mr. Ramapovich, this court having found you guilty of 1st degree murder of your ex-wife Suzanne, I hereby sentenced you to the term of Life in Prison without the possibility of parole . . .
Defendant: BUT WHAT ABOUT OJ!?????????
by nerdodamus June 16, 2018
Get the Whatabouter mug.US propandist: this is an evil man because he has tortured people!
Concerned citizen: what about US torturing people in Guantánamo Bay?
US propandist: Whataboutism!
Concerned citizen: what about US torturing people in Guantánamo Bay?
US propandist: Whataboutism!
by InRaged December 3, 2015
Get the whataboutism mug.An attempt to change the subject, often attempting to connect the emotional component of the original comment to whatever the individual thinks belongs in the same emotional bucket as the original subject of the conversation.
Individual 1: I am very upset about X. I dislike it for the following 6 reasons.
Individual 2: Y is a much more important thing than X.
Individual 1: OK... Sure, fine, whatever. I was talking about X though. If you'd like to talk about Y, fine, let's talk about Y. We can do that, or not do that, without getting into a discussion ranking the importance of every single thing on the planet... It is difficult to have conversations with you do to your constant use of whataboutism.
Individual 2: Y is a much more important thing than X.
Individual 1: OK... Sure, fine, whatever. I was talking about X though. If you'd like to talk about Y, fine, let's talk about Y. We can do that, or not do that, without getting into a discussion ranking the importance of every single thing on the planet... It is difficult to have conversations with you do to your constant use of whataboutism.
by SimpleSimon34 May 2, 2019
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