WHAT IT IS
A criticism is answered not with a defense but with an accusation pointed elsewhere: 'but what about what they did?'
WHY IT WORKS
It works by changing the question. Your attention follows the new accusation, and the original claim escapes without ever being addressed.
HOW TO SPOT IT
- The reply never engages the actual charge
- Two wrongs offered as one right
- The subject changes but the anger stays
HOW TO DEFUSE IT
Both things can be bad. Return to the original question and notice whether it was ever answered.
ASK YOURSELF
Did the accusation get answered, or just relocated?