Strawman

A strawman argument is a weak or sham argument set up to be easily refuted, often used to make one’s own argument seem stronger in comparison. It involves misrepresenting, oversimplifying, or exaggerating an opposing viewpoint to make it easier to attack and discredit.

In online reputation management, a strawman may be intentionally constructed to divert attention from real issues and manipulate perceptions. By focusing on and dismantling the weaker strawman argument, the actual concerns and valid critiques can be overshadowed and dismissed. This tactic is often employed to protect a brand’s image and reputation by deflecting criticism and misleading the audience.

• Creates an easy target to attack and discredit
• Diverts focus from real issues and arguments
• Manipulates perceptions by making the opposing position appear weaker and less credible
• Can be used to undermine legitimate criticism and concerns
• Misrepresents the actual arguments, making them easier to refute
• Oversimplifies complex issues, leading to a false sense of resolution
• Exploits the audience’s lack of familiarity with the original arguments

A company facing backlash for unethical practices might set up a strawman argument focusing on a minor, easily refutable complaint to distract from the larger issues and make critics seem unreasonable. For example, if a company is accused of exploiting workers and damaging the environment, they might create a strawman by exaggerating and focusing on a single, minor complaint about packaging while ignoring the more serious allegations.

• Avoid engaging with or legitimizing strawman arguments
• Stay focused on addressing the real, substantive issues at hand
• Call out the use of strawman tactics and redirect the conversation
• Provide clear, accurate information to counter misrepresentations
• Encourage open, honest dialogue that addresses the core concerns
• Maintain transparency and accountability in addressing legitimate critiques