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Have you heard about #whataboutism? In this article, Martha Macdonald takes a look at another of the terms you're too embarrassed to ask your kids about.
"Strap in, folks, we’re elbows deep in terminology coined solely to forensically analyse arguments which take place in the comments section.
Also known as #whataboutery, this is a style of arguing that is commonplace on the internet these days. Instead of offering effective counterarguments to someone you might disagree with, you simply accuse them of some other wrongdoing or raise a completely different issue to derail the conversation altogether.
Whilst the phrase #whataboutism seems to be a fairly modern concept, the practice dates all the way back through time – it even has a Latin name ‘tu quoque’, meaning the logical fallacy ‘you also’. It’s also not just a style of bickering that takes place online, in fact I’m sure all of us have been guilty of it at one point or another. Here are some examples...
Imagine a couple who live together. One partner says to the other: ‘Hey, you didn’t do the washing up like you said you would’, to which the other replies: ‘Oh yeah? Well, last week you didn’t vacuum even though you promised you would!’
The fact that Partner A didn’t vacuum last week doesn’t mean their grievance with Partner B over the dishes isn’t valid, nor does it magically make the dishes clean. However, the conversation is likely to escalate into point scoring over who does more chores around the house. But hey, who am I to judge, I haven’t vacuumed in months!
The other setting in which we often see this tactic being used is politics. When facing hard-line or uncomfortable questions, the oldest trick in the book is for politicians to dredge up historic wrongdoings committed by another party in the hopes that their own error won’t look as bad in comparison.
So, as a species, we’re clearly well-rehearsed in trying to distract from conversations which make us uncomfortable. Which, as I’m sure you’re aware, is a big reason why trying to have complexed and nuanced discussions online is always SO FUN AND EASY BREEZY.
(Not)
When one of the main responses to someone bringing up an issue, championing a cause or putting forward their opinion on something is #whataboutism it feeds an utterly unproductive and hostile atmosphere. I just reckon there are much better ways to let someone know that you disagree with them, and whilst we’re at it, it is possible to disagree with someone, acknowledge that fact *silently* and move on with your day. SHOCK HORROR!
However, if you must wade into an argument, consider employing some truly top-notch Shakespearean insults to bring some Bard-Banter to the comments section. Here are some of my favourites.
You’re welcome!"
This article first appeared in the June edition of Connect, which you can read here.
