Avoiding ‘Whataboutism’ in Discussions of Race

by James Ross |  June 29, 2023

As we struggle today with a multiplicity of critical racial justice issues, we cannot afford to engage in whataboutism. Of course, we should be concerned about children’s access to education elsewhere. Yet, that is separate from the urgent reality that state legislatures throughout the United States are working to restrict what teachers can say and the educational outcomes they can seek – and even how students should “feel” – in courses in which race is an essential component of the discussion, such as history, civics, and literature. If we seek justice, we must focus. TAGS:  [2020’s] [Individual Change] [Teachers] [Tips-Dos/Don’ts]  [Social Justice]  [History] [Whataboutism]

The Toxicity of Inflicting Whataboutisms When Discussing Racism; Why using this strategy to deflect from Black trauma says more about you than you know

*Paywall Alert

by Jeanette C. Espinoza | February 10, 2021

It requires extremely thick skin. It requires the ability to purge hateful rhetoric from your brain to function normally in your daily life with loved ones. And it requires you to become a master wordsmith to shut down the viciously racist commentary about your work or a master at using the “block” feature to preserve your energy quickly.

Why Shocking New Data Shows We Can’t Stop Fighting Hate

by John L. Micek | March 16, 2023

And that’s the key: As the survivors of both the Holocaust and the Civil Rights Movement ever more swiftly transition from living memory to the history books, it’s on those of us who remain to stand even more strongly and steadfastly against those who’d use cheap conflation and lazy whataboutism to try to turn back the clock on years of hard-won progress.

7 Harmful Racial Discourse Practices to Avoid

by Jess Allen | July 4, 2022

We need to talk about race. In many instances, these conversations are long overdue. Allies need to have more conversations which seek to deconstruct implicit biases, preconceived ideas about race, and help to educate people on the steps they can take towards being actively anti-racist. In order to impact the racial inequalities we still see in so many areas of life, we need to be able to openly and honestly share experiences and explore ideas. We all need to be informed and cognizant of the fundamental issues to create a purposeful dialogue around race, which will help us all be better equipped to fight injustice.

…    All too often, the opposite is true. Policies are presented uncritically, and usually, only the impact on White (typically middle-class) communities is publicly discussed.