Whataboutism: When It’s Wrong and When It’s Justified

Olivia and Raven tackle whataboutism, or “what about us?”-ism, the many ways it’s included in today’s discourse, and how it relates to the controversy surrounding freedom of speech. They detail how what aboutism comes up in discussions regarding race, disability, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Note: There’s a thunderstorm in the background of Raven’s audio two-thirds of the way through the episode.

 

Discussion Summary:

00:33: What is “whataboutism,” and some examples.

04:23: Acknowledging there are certain populations whose stories are suppressed.

05:41: Revisiting the recently common claim that people in majority groups are being censored, and how this claim minimizes the struggles of marginalized communities.

21:42: Feeling drowned out when black people speak up about problems affecting the black community.

23:03: Disabled people feeling left out of movements against injustice against black people.

32:11: When black people speak up, other communities want to latch onto our causes, or downplay our struggles.

40:24: The hypocrisy of people claiming there’s a gay agenda and trans agenda to feminize men and destroy the nuclear family.

46:20: The failure of critics of LGBTQ+ individuals To advocate against their mistreatment.

48:47: When whataboutism is justified.

52:30: Outro.

 

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Music credits: Opening: Goestories - Noir Et Blanc Vie

Closing: First Class - DJ Williams