To help your students understand the nature of fake news (and spot misinformation themselves), give them historical context with this editorial cartoon from 1898 about one of the early forms of sensationalism, known as Yellow Journalism. Answering the questions below can help students learn about the past—to strengthen awareness in the present.
Eight questions to consider:
Defining: Who are the two men in the cartoon?
Summarizing: What is the action taking place in the picture? What story seems to be unfolding?
Describing: What stands out most to you in the cartoon (color, objects in the foreground, etc.) and what feelings are being portrayed?
Classifying: Based on what you’ve learned so far, what is the issue being presented by the cartoonist?
Analyzing: What is the relationship between the statements on the figures’ yellow gowns and the actions taking place in the picture?
Interpreting: Why are the two figures in the cartoon depicted as “Yellow Kids?” Within the context of the time, what sort of assertion does the cartoonist seem to be making?
Evaluating: Based on what you have learned about the situation that existed at the time, was this cartoon an accurate portrayal of Pulitzer’s and Hearst’s actions?
Arguing: Are editorial cartoons a responsible way/persuasive way to inform today’s public? Why or why not?
This resource is featured as part of School Library Connection’s Information Literacy Series, a multipart exploration of innovative tools and strategies to help you teach students to spot misinformation online. Click here to learn more about School Library Connection!
