this post was submitted on 05 Sep 2023
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My issue with hexbearians was that in every single thread I saw them in they would do nothing but whatabout regardless of the context. I understand they may have good points about certain things and to their credit some had very well written and informative comments but most of the time they weren't directly relevant to the topic. It could be a loud minority but it doesn't change the fact it's annoying to see huge threads of whatabout arguments all the time by them.
In my view, having consistent moral standards is a prerequisite for having an honest discussion on any topic. If anything, the actual whataboutism is pointing fingers at other countries while refusing to acknowledge what your own country is doing. People should focus on fixing problems at home and holding their own governments accountable first and foremost because that's where they have most agency.
This is what people who you accuse of whataboutism point out. Focusing on countries you don't like and talking about how bad they are when your own country does the same things simply serves to deflect attention and to create the impression that your own society is somehow better and more enlightened. This is how the west often justifies the atrocities it commits.
getting called out for your bullshit on any topic pertains to the discussion, we've had problems with all crowds.
"whataboutism" does not mean "you're never allowed to point out a double standard"
You know whataboutism isn't an actual logical fallacy and was originally used in defense of British colonialism "well the IRA also does bad things" right?
Again, my point was that people should focus on themselves and what their countries are doing. Your "well the IRA also does bad things" is precisely the kind of deflection I'm arguing against.
I'm replying to the person you're replying to.
Ah gotcha