Clutching at straws
When someone tries to set you on fire, do not add fuel to the flames.
According to Japanese media reports on the MeToo movement, senior policymaker Koichi Haguida opined in 2018 that taking care of children is a mother’s responsibility. As reason, old-fashioned men often point to the fact that only women can give birth and are, hence, more skilled to raise the offspring. Such an appeal to nature is a bit of a stretch and tries to reframe the discussion.
When confronted with a fallacy, focus on the matter of the debate. Using a rhetorical straw man is a widespread fallacious technique by which someone deflects by attacking a weaker argument of your side. American Presidents, for instance, have included it in their speeches to defend themselves against impeachments and other allegations. Stay calm and choose your words wisely.
How to prepare for fallacies
Summarise your position in one sentence that includes the word ‘because’.
(e.g. Men should also take parental leave because it is good for their partners and the kids. Companies should have the right to refuse hiring smokers because they are less efficient.)If the other side tries to misrepresent your argument by appealing to nature or with a rhetorical straw man, unmask them and say that they are trying to reframe because their argument is weak.
Do not spend more than 15 seconds on their fallacies and use different terms than they did in your rebuttal. Focus your reply on explaining the need and benefits of your position.
Exercise
Pick three politicians who made sexist statements according to this article of Human Rights Watch. Look at unpopular developments in their country and why they could be trying to distract with these remarks. Write down rebuttals without using their frames.
Learn the techniques. Boost your confidence. Make your point.
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