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Social media arguments lesson of the day: “whataboutism” (1/8)
Increasingly evident on social media is this incidence where the majority of people’s first counter argument against something they disagree with is “but oh, what about this [...]?
(2/8)
(2/8)
An obvious Twitter example of whataboutism is the “but surely ALL lives matter” response to #BLM
It suggests an entirely different approach to the initial point raised and thereby distracts attention from the core of the initial argument - essentially hijacking it
(3/8)
It suggests an entirely different approach to the initial point raised and thereby distracts attention from the core of the initial argument - essentially hijacking it
(3/8)
People think they can ‘expose’ someone’s argument by distracting from its point by saying “what about this issue?!”
Whataboutism practicers usually:
(A) do not understand the original argument, or;
(B) have no real, meaningful counter argument and thus seek to distract
(4/8)
Whataboutism practicers usually:
(A) do not understand the original argument, or;
(B) have no real, meaningful counter argument and thus seek to distract
(4/8)
Whataboutism = drawing (false) equivalencies, but does nothing to negate the initial point raised and smacks of desperate distraction attempts..
Learn to argue against the point using logic, reason and facts.
(5/8)
Learn to argue against the point using logic, reason and facts.
(5/8)
Whataboutism merely tells others that you have no real interest in engaging the core substance of the argument, and that you only want to be seen/heard, but not wanting to engage with the issue at hand.
(6/8)
(6/8)
Yes, everyone has issues they feel strongly about, and yes it can be frustrating when you feel that others’ issues are given greater importance/coverage than your own.
But does distraction and whataboutism solve either issue? Never - it just causes further division.
(7/8)
But does distraction and whataboutism solve either issue? Never - it just causes further division.
(7/8)
Think smart, argue smart.
Use logic, reason and rationality.
Ask yourself- “what is my motivation for this statement?” Is it to add value to the discussion or just to distract and add my 2 cents?
Engage, constructively.
(8/8)
Use logic, reason and rationality.
Ask yourself- “what is my motivation for this statement?” Is it to add value to the discussion or just to distract and add my 2 cents?
Engage, constructively.
(8/8)
