Description: Interpreting a token gesture as an adequate substitute for the real thing.
Example #1:
The presidential nominee has been accused of being racist. But he recently stated that he really liked the movie, “Roots,” so I guess he isn’t racist.
Explanation: Liking one movie that exposes racism and encourages equality, is far from the same as not being a racist.
Example #2:
Mr. McBoss' company consists of 50 executives who are all men, and 50 secretaries who are all women. To show he is all about equal opportunity, he has agreed to hire a woman executive.
Explanation: This "token" gesture does not come close to making up for the disproportionate hiring practices of Mr. McBoss' company.
Exception: If a token gesture is seen as a token, and not as an adequate substitute, it is not a fallacy.
I know I have a weight problem, and I am trying. So far, I have replaced my usual breakfast of doughnuts with a single grapefruit.
References:
Logically Fallacious is one of the most comprehensive collections of logical fallacies with all original examples and easy to understand descriptions; perfect for educators, debaters, or anyone who wants to improve his or her reasoning skills.
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