No, it's an attempt to deflect any thoughtful discussion about the actual topic. Instead of providing anything of substance about the subject matter, you attempt to gaslight people into an argument about something else entirely.

If you find a distaste for whataboutism "partisan" perhaps you're the one who has the problem.

Pointing out hypocrisy does not invalidate the hypocrite's argument, but it does suggest they are arguing in bad faith.

>No, it's an attempt to deflect any thoughtful discussion about the actual topic.

Why can't we discuss both?

You can start a new thread about anything you want. It's not guaranteed to be popular or lead to thoughtful discussion, though.

Now THIS is a method to distract and shut down speech :)

Because people are getting tiered of being fed which topics they should discuss. Let's discuss the hypocrisy at home before we talk about problems elsewhere

That's a nice discussion-shutting argument. Person / country will never get perfect and thus can't ever discuss issues abroad.

That's the best come-back you have?

The come-back is that this principle leads to an absurd situation which doesn't allow you to comment on anything apart from yourself.