whataboutism

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16:55 Nov 22, 2019

English to Polish translations [PRO]
Social Sciences - Government / Politics
Additional field(s): History, Social Science, Sociology, Ethics, etc., Journalism

English term or phrase: whataboutism

Definition from Merriam-Webster:
The rhetorical technique or practice by reversing the accusation, arguing that an opponent is guilty of an offense just as egregious or worse. Also known as "whataboutery".

Example sentence(s):

Fears of impending whataboutism do not appear to have been exaggerated. Pundits have been noticing Trump’s proclivity for the “what about” defense for months. Even since taking office, the president has been quick to respond to accusations of collusion or corruption by pointing to the alleged misdeeds of his former opponent, Hillary Clinton. HuffPost
For a nanosecond, especially to an uncritical listener, this stab at logic might seem interesting, even thought-provoking, and that’s why it’s a useful political tool. Whataboutism appears to broaden context, to offer a counterpoint, when really it’s diverting blame, muddying the waters and confusing the hell out of rational listeners. Washington Post

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Summary of translations provided

3 +1

symetryzm

Tomasz Sienicki

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symetryzm

Definition from Wikipedia:
Postawa ideologiczna zakładająca, że każdemu negatywnemu zjawisku zawinionemu przez dany obóz polityczny należy spróbować przeciwstawić analogiczne negatywne zjawisko zawinione przez obóz jego przeciwników

Example sentence(s):

Symetryzm ma trzy źródła:1. oportunizm 2. pospolitą głupotę, która głosi, że prawda zawsze leży pośrodku 3. lenistwo: ustalenie różnic wymaga więcej pracy niż kłamliwe uogólnienia. Te przyczyny mogą występować w różnych kombinacjach. - L. Balcerowicz, Twitter

Tomasz Sienicki
Denmark
Local time: 21:40
Native speaker of:

Polish

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