For Far Too Many Whataboutism Has Become Their Default Position
Allegations of past and present wrongdoing, whether true or not, are not a valid response to current misconduct, stupidity, or cruelty.
Possibly the most glaring symptom of the current intellectual laziness and cynicism infecting our body politic is whataboutism. If one person states their opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it won’t be long before they hear a Russia apologist point to America’s past involvement in Vietnam or invasion of Iraq in response.
At least America really did insert itself into the conflict between North and South Vietnam and actually invaded Iraq. However, often the “what about” is followed by an allegation that has little to no basis in fact.
I recently made the mistake of commenting on the chaos on full display for all to see in the race for Speaker of the House of Representatives. In response I was told that “both parties are equally corrupt.” I was drawing attention more to an apparent inability or unwillingness to govern than corruption, but that distinction didn’t seem to matter. Then, to reinforce their point, pedophilia by Democrats was cited as an example.
