Opening statements to begin in racketeering trial of rapper Young Thug. 

Detected Manipulations & Suggested Changes

Misleading headlines

The headline of the article is misleading as it suggests that the trial is specifically targeting rapper Young Thug, when in fact it is a gang conspiracy trial.

Opening statements in the long-awaited US gang conspiracy trial targeting rapper Young Thug are slated for Monday

1 suggestion

Change the headline to accurately reflect that the trial is a gang conspiracy trial involving rapper Young Thug

Omission of key information

The article omits key information about the specific charges against Young Thug and the evidence presented by the prosecution.

The accusations included myriad underlying offenses that prosecutors say support an overarching conspiracy charge, including murder, assault, carjacking, drug dealing and theft.

1 suggestion

Include specific details about the charges against Young Thug and the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Biased language

The article uses biased language when referring to the defense lawyers as insisting that YSL is not a gang, but rather a vague association of artists.

But defense lawyers insist YSL instead stands for Young Stoner Life Records, a hip-hop and trap label that Young Thug founded in 2016 and which, they say, amounts to a vague association of artists, not a gang.

1 suggestion

Use neutral language when describing the defense lawyers' argument about YSL.

Unsubstantiated claims

The article includes unsubstantiated claims about the motivations of the prosecutors and their use of rap lyrics as evidence.

The scholar said he thinks prosecutors see lyrics as 'insurance' that they will secure a conviction.

1 suggestion

Provide evidence or expert opinions to support the claim about the prosecutors' motivations.

Appeal to emotion

The article includes statements that appeal to emotion by suggesting that the trial is part of a system that is 'hell-bent on locking up young men of color.'

The scholar said he thinks prosecutors see lyrics as 'insurance' that they will secure a conviction. 'If you have other evidence, don’t use the rap lyrics,' Nielson said. 'And if you don’t have other evidence, don’t bring the charges in the first place.'

1 suggestion

Remove the statement that suggests the trial is part of a system targeting young men of color.

The availability cascade

The article includes statements that perpetuate the idea that prosecuting rap lyrics is a common practice and part of a longer tradition of punishing Black expression.

Several studies support Weinstein’s argument, and Erik Nielson, a University of Richmond professor and specialist on the subject, told AFP earlier this year that prosecuting rap lyrics 'resides in a much longer tradition of punishing Black expression.'

1 suggestion

Provide evidence or expert opinions to support the claim that prosecuting rap lyrics is a common practice and part of a longer tradition of punishing Black expression.