Is there a logical fallacy here and if so, which is it?

Question

“If black people getting murdered happens all the time, and is systemic, why are you only crying out against it now?”

What is his argument that is put forth? Black murders have always been a problem. You have not spoken out against the problem until now. Therefore you are just jumping on the bandwagon? Or maybe the conclusion to his argument is: you haven’t cared before, therefore you don’t have the right to start now?

Is there a logical fallacy here and if so, which is it?

Answer 1

This is a version of the ad hominem fallacy. The deficiencies of the persons making the argument -- in this case their lack of consistency -- are being cited as a justification for rejecting their position. in fact, the position is either right or wrong, independent of whether the person holding it has been consistent.

Answer 2

"why are you only crying out against it now?” is intended to get the reader's attention, and is effective in accomplishing that goal. It is open ended, inquires about the motive(s) of the reader, and is rhetorical, i.e., the asker already knows the answer to the question. The truth will be at least slightly different for each reader. Whatever answer is given will open a conversation about the core issue: BLACK LIVES MATTER.

There is anger in this question, which is OK. If it is asked by a person of color to a person who has "benefitted" from being complicit with oppressive, corrupt systems of white privilege, then the basic argument is: White Silence = Violence and is a justifiable condemnation of the reader for past inaction. Although no longer silent, the reader needs to "cry out" in a way that puts their convenience and privilege where their mouth is = stop participating in (take action to change) the oppressive, corrupt systems that systemically murder black people all the time.

So, I see this as more than an informational argument with facts presented that lead to a logical conclusion. It is a motivational argument that is a call to action.