Sources: Changing Minds
This term comes from stacking a deck of cards in your favor. Card stacking is used to slant a message. Key words or unfavorable statistics may be omitted, leading to a series of half-truths. Keep in mind that an advertiser (spokesperson, PR person) is under no obligation "to give the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
This propaganda technique does not provide all of the information necessary for the reader to make an informed decision. It uses arguments that support their position, but ignores or even denies the arguments against.
Card stacking is often difficult to detect because you must decide what is missing from the picture.
Card stacking, or selective omission, is one of the seven techniques identified by the IPA, or Institute for Propaganda Analysis. It involves only presenting information that is positive to an idea or proposal and omitting information contrary to it.
Card stacking is used in almost all forms of propaganda, and is extremely effective in convincing the public.
Although the majority of information presented by the card stacking approach is true, it is dangerous because it omits important information.
The best way to deal with card stacking is to get more information.
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