Letter to Florida Times-Union Editor about Fake News: Slow down and smell the satire.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Note: This is a letter to the editor of the Florida Times-Union which was published on November 30, 2017.

The recent tips offered by Times-Union Editorial Page Editor Mike Clark on how to spot fake news were helpful.

However, Clark neglected to address one very serious problem: The inability of Americans to comprehend satire, which is the most prevalent form of fake news.

Fooling the Faithful: 4 Telltale Signs of Fake News from The Babylon Bee

Satire is one of the most popular forms of fake news and some of the best satire is being cranked out by a website called The Babylon Bee. Their slogan is, “The Babylon Bee is Your Trusted Source for Christian News Satire.” However, you don’t have to be Christian to laugh at their stories. Here are a few examples of headlines.

New Documents Confirm Pilgrims, Indians Argued About Politics Over Thanksgiving Dinner

Poll: Majority Of Evangelicals Would Support Satan If He Ran As Republican Candidate

Man Encounters Morning Traffic, Immediately Loses Salvation

Pope Francis Offers Mind-Blowing Deals On Indulgences For Reformation Day

‘Sports Illustrated’ Releases Hotly Anticipated ‘Modest Attire’ Issue