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Re:Zuckerberg denies knowledge of Facebook shadow profiles by thieving_magpie on Wednesday April 11, 2018 @03:04PM (#16814379)
The term "whataboutism" is quickly becoming my least favorite word. We're allowed to talk about issues in a wider context. It's often helpful.

I'm very much interested in this issue as a whole and not just singling out Facebook as if they're the only bad actors. I'd appreciate letting that discussion take place rather than using some newly minted word to try and stifle it.

Re:Zuckerberg denies knowledge of Facebook shadow profiles by jrs95 on Wednesday April 11, 2018 @03:14PM (#16814487)
Agreed. It's not really being used correctly any time I see it being used (aside from describing actual propaganda, which is what this term comes from) -- "whataboutism" is a very specific tactic. The intent to distract from the issue at hand is a necessary component. Bringing in relative context in a productive manner != whataboutism.
Re:Zuckerberg denies knowledge of Facebook shadow profiles by bhandziuk on Wednesday April 11, 2018 @03:53PM (#16814840)
It's a good word when debating facts but, you're right, when debating subjective things like this, bringing up the credit reporting agencies sure seems like it is on topic.
Re:Zuckerberg denies knowledge of Facebook shadow profiles by Lionsion on Wednesday April 11, 2018 @03:17PM (#16814516)
Whataboutism isn't about "talk[ing] about issues in a wider context." It's about distracting from the issues at hand and derailing discussions.
Re:Zuckerberg denies knowledge of Facebook shadow profiles by supertrope on Wednesday April 11, 2018 @05:31PM (#16815896)
Whataboutism is pointing to your opponent's flaws to change the subject from yours. I think OP is suggesting that both social media and consumer financial profilers need closer scrutiny, not that SM should be excused.