LogFAQs > #905680970

XIII_rocks posted...

Idk, am I wrong?

Eh, I disagree with you, but I don't know if I'd say you're wrong, per se. Or, I guess technically I would, but I mean I understood what you're trying to say here.

I think it is inherently a deflecting tactic. It changes the focus of the topic to either the individual (are they being hypocritical/applying double standards) or a third party (explaining the difference between the two cases.)

I think you're trying to argue there are cases where that change in focus is valuable. Maybe that's so (I'm not trying to be pretentious here I just feel like you quickly enter very subjective territory here which just further complicates things) but ultimately you're still changing the focus which is a deflection. I mean, it's an emotionally appealing rhetorical device and I'm sure I've used it here myself with varying levels of seriousness behind it but I don't think that changes what it is.

While I think it can in some limited instances lead to a clarification of position (if someone is made to explain why the two cases are different) I don't think that "redeems" the tactic, so-to-speak. You could get that outcome by more sound means.
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