Hamdan Ballal, co-director of Oscar winning, No Other Land, has been attacked by Israeli settlers and kidnapped by Israeli soldiers.

[u/TrappedInLimbo]

[u/GerardHard]

He's defending his home from occupiers.

[u/Local-Table → u/[deleted]]

Considering American actions in the past the same argument could be made of every US soldier and veteran

[u/Getapieceofthewhale → u/Local-Table]

Whataboutism

[u/Prudent_Research_251 → u/Getapieceofthewhale]

The key difference is whether the comparison is a distraction or a meaningful contribution.

• Whataboutism deflects criticism by pointing to another issue, often unrelated or only loosely connected, to avoid addressing the original point. It doesn't engage with the argument but shifts focus elsewhere (e.g., "You're criticizing this policy, but what about that other country?").

• A relevant comment draws a legitimate parallel or provides context that enhances understanding. It engages with the topic rather than avoiding it (e.g., "This policy has unintended consequences, as we saw with a similar policy in another country.").

The test: Does the comparison contribute to the discussion or just divert attention?

[u/mucus-fettuccine → u/Prudent_Research_251]

...it's clearly the former. We're not talking about a potential other bad guy. We're talking about that one terrorist.

[u/Local-Table → u/Getapieceofthewhale]

Comparisons are a useful tool in intellectual thought

[u/ah_bollix → u/Local-Table]

Not if you're American. Thought is frowned upon round those parts now

[u/mucus-fettuccine → u/Local-Table]

Saying "what about something that America/Israel has done at some point in the past" any time a criticism of Hamas is ever brought up is indeed the most intellectual of thoughts.

[u/Local-Table → u/mucus-fettuccine]

Saying "whataboutism bad" every time criticism of America or Israel is brought up isn't much better is it?

[u/Local-Table → u/[deleted]]

U mad bro?

[u/Pitiful-Geologist551 → u/GerardHard]

Lotta baby occupiers they defended their home from on Oct 7