This is an example of a logical fallacy called “tu quoque”.
A bitesized summary: https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/tu-quoque
Hmm I never thought this was a fallacy? Can’t it be true that apple should pay taxes etc and you shouldn’t buy their products if that’s a big deal to you?
I really dont think this applies as an example to iPhones. There are so many other options available that it is not an only option for anyone that is concerned about factory workers conditions. This comic just seems like an excuse for those people that want to save the world but also really want this one particular brands products despite the competition.
But what’s the alternative? It is a big deal for me how these companies exploit workers. But it’s not just apple it’s all of them, what choice do we consumers have here?
Fairphone maybe?
Well, maybe. I’ve been taking a look at them since I’m gonna have to replace my phone most likely later this year (perhaps even next year🤞🏻) but I don’t think I can go back to a non-water proof one and be skipping a heartbeat every time a drop splashes in the general direction of my device.
The repairable design, 7 years of updates and (I think) 5 years warranty are unbeatable tho.But for the exploited workers matter I’m gonna need more proof than a couple pictures of smiling Asian people to really believe there’s no exploitation.
Not purchasing luxury goods is an option. I have more sympathy for goods you’re essentially forced to buy to stay alive that still exploit others and probably yourself
I don’t know where or how do you live but for me and most people having a smartphone is a necessity more than a luxury. I did try to go no-smart and it’s just not an option, and that was a bunch of years ago
Also a great example of false equivalency by implying Apple product ownership is somehow as necessary as participating in society
I’m not sure how good an appeal to hypocrisy criticising Apple while continuing to use their products is…
Participating in your society and owning a car (in the US) are things you don’t necessarily get a choice in, unless you want to go live as a hermit in the woods.
But you certainly can choose to just not use Apple products if you disagree with their approach. I don’t even remember the last time I did. There is competition in the market, including more ethical brands (i.e. the Fairphone) if those take your fancy.
One problem with these arguments is that, when it comes to criticizing a product for its usability problems, it makes perfect sense for an actual user to have opinions because they’re the ones with the experience.
But you get people going “well if you hate it so much then stop using it!”
It’s a common trait of so-called “fanboys”. For example, I’ve seen this on the Steam forums before. Have someone saying that Steam should improve in various ways to make the consumer’s experience better, and then you get other people replying with basically this line. If a person cites some other site, such as GOG, as an example of a better way to do things (and a proof of concept that it can be done), they reply with “then go use GOG instead”, for example. (Along with making up various excuses why Steam is better without such an improvement.)
It’s not a problem, both are true. Yes, the argument stands on its own regardless whether the person is participating in it or not, but if that person wants to do something about it, it does help to not buy into it yourself.
Smoke it if you got it!
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