[starbeast]

Whataboutism only really applies to state actors bickering when both are being hypocritical.

After all, it was created as a US propaganda term for saying that it is hypocritical for the USSR to propagandise the hypocrisy of the USA, when both governments are hypocrites.

Outside of that, it is called making comparisons and it is a completely valid thing to be doing.

[elefanten]

It refers to the practice of changing the conversation (often towards accusation of hypocrisy) rather than answering a claim. Especially when the comparison is different in kind or scope, or just plain irrelevant.

Making comparisons is valid, but it doesn't make you incapable of responding to the original arguments.

[starbeast]

Often it is used to shut down a line of argument when the comparison is entirely valid though.