What it sounds like
- Sure, my side did that, but what about when your side did this?
- "Your department missed the deadline." "What about Finance last quarter?" Finance can wait its turn in the accountability lobby.
Logical fallacy
Whataboutism
Responding to criticism by pointing at someone else's wrongdoing.
Classic tell: Sure, my side did that, but what about when your side did this?
Back to the guideFurther explanation
What is happening underneath?
Responding to criticism by pointing at someone else's wrongdoing.
Whataboutism dodges a criticism by pointing at another wrongdoing. The other wrongdoing may be real; it still does not answer the first one.
How to tell
- The reply begins with another offender instead of addressing the original behavior.
Why people use it
- It spreads blame around until responsibility becomes foggy.
How to combat it
- Say: "We can discuss that next. Are you saying this deadline was handled well?"
Manipulation watch
How this gets used on people.
- Partisan media uses it to keep audiences loyal: never evaluate our side; look over there at their side.