One year ago this month, Merriam-Webster.com added the word “whataboutism” to its dictionary, a nod to its increasing use in this polarized political environment.
The dictionary defined it as “the act or practice of responding to an accusation of wrongdoing by claiming that an offense committed by another is similar or worse.”
Whataboutism — you’ve probably been exposed to this rhetorical device and its close cousins: denial, deflection, disinformation and bothsidesing.
