Posted on by Lucy Rothwell

It’s been 99 years, Pandemics still aren’t fun.

Spanish Flu Poster. (1918) Source.
The Flu is known to have Originated in Kansas. Why has it been called the ‘Spanish Flu’?
Now this looks familiar. Cheesecloth may not have been as effective as the masks we wear in 2021, but they were just as crucial. In what ways are masks, then and now, significant? (Think medically AND culturally.)
Some Rules and Regulations from 1918 on how to stay safe during a pandemic. Notice the singular gender pronoun used in the last sentence.
Theater in 1918 compared with Theater in 2020

Possible Questions Raised by Comparison:

  1. What are some similarities in the way Americans responded to the Pandemics of 1918, and 2020?
  2. How quickly did public places reopen after the 1918 pandemic?
  3. What did the aftermath of the 1918 pandemic look like?
  4. What can we learn from the societal response to the 1918 pandemic?
Physicians vaccinating each other. (1919). Source.
This photograph depicts doctors wearing masks as they receive their vaccine. What is the message this photo is sending to the public?
This doctor looks directly at the camera as he applies the shot. During the ‘Spanish Flu’ epidemic, there were anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers, just as there are during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Note the race and gender of each doctor.

One Reply to “It’s been 99 years, Pandemics still aren’t fun.”

  1. Lucy, the “allow comments” tab under the “Discussion” setting was unchecked. I fixed that, and can now comment.

    What a timely idea. I think it’s always valuable to bring historical perspective to contemporary issues. (And as I cancel plans due to Delta – this really hits home.)

    A well-curated collection of images and close looks draws the viewer into seeing our current pandemic through the lens of the early 19th c. The featured image and title capture it all. I especially like the idea for the slider comparison of closed theaters.

    Sad we have to learn all these lessons again.

    Reply

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