We see misdirection all the time in things like magic tricks. Your attention is focused on one thing, something unimportant. Meanwhile, the magician is pulling off the actual trick, the truly important bit, where you aren’t looking.
It’s brilliant, really. A bit of trickery, some “Hey, watch this,” so they can wow you with “magic.”
But what if people do this in other aspects of life? An argument, for example.
In an argument, a misdirection is called a red herring. An argument that has nothing to do with the actual issue. An argument that smells kinda funny, like a red herring. It’s just kinda thrown in there as a distraction.
“I know everyone’s upset about my recent affair, but let’s keep in mind the fact that gang violence is still an issue in our town!”
What? Gang violence has nothing to do with the fact that this person had an affair. They’re trying to distract people by throwing a completely unrelated issue onto the table, saying “look at this problem instead of this other problem.”
Oddly enough, this occasionally works to some extent.
“What? Gang violence has gone down since last year.”
If the opponent responds to the red herring argument at all, it means the one who used it was successful. Even if you eventually get back to the main issue, that red herring is still in there, and they’ll keep bringing it up until you feel compelled to respond. It lessens the severity of the main issue.
The only way to really deflect this argument is to simply say, “That’s not what we’re talking about. We’re discussing the fact that you had an affair. Gang violence has absolutely nothing to do with that.” Don’t let yourself be distracted. Keet your eyes on the important stuff, not the little hand trick.
If they continue to try to bring it up, continue to remind them that the point they’re making is not a legitimate one. If they don’t give up eventually, it might be an argument you need to walk away from
It’s also important to remember not to use a red herring when making your own argument. It doesn’t prove your case, and in fact, takes away from it. People might leave the argument without proving you wrong, but they will eventually realize what you did and whatever trust or respect they have for you will deteriorate.
Keep the red herring in mind next time you’re having an argument. Watch out for it from your opponent, and avoid it in your own points.