- Do you remember hearing about any of these scenarios that aren't exactly true?
There are some things we as people remember collectively that aren’t true. Do you know of these things?
1. Monopoly Man And His Monocle
Many people clearly remember the Monopoly mascot, Rich Uncle Pennybags, and his monocle. In reality, the character from Monopoly never had one. This false memory is often added to confusion with other old-timey mascots including Mr. Peanut.
2. “Luke, I Am Your Father.”
A huge number of fans insist that Darth Vader says, “Luke, I am your father” in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. In reality, the line is: “No, I am your father.” The misquote likely stuck because it makes more sense out of context when spoken.
3. Shazaam With Sinbad
Many people vividly remember a 1990s movie called Shazaam starring comedian Sinbad as a genie. The thing is, this movie never existed. The confusion is often linked to the real 1996 genie movie Kazaam, with star Shaquille O’Neal. Did you know people think about this that aren’t true and confuse the two of them?
4. Pikachu’s Black-Tipped Tail
Fans of Pokémon Red and Blue often remember Pikachu having a black tip on his tail. But the truth is, he never did. The confusion may come from other Pokémon designs that do have different black markings.
5. The Berenstein Bears
Many adults remember reading The Berenstein Bears as children and remember it being spelled as such. However, the book series is actually spelled The Berenstain Bears. The pronunciation makes the incorrect spelling feel more natural.
6. Nelson Mandela Died in the 1980s
Some people distinctly remember Nelson Mandela dying in prison in the 1980s. In reality, he was released in 1990 and passed away in 2013. This widespread false memory gave rise to the term “Mandela Effect,” where a collective memory had people all thinking and even “remembering” the same thing. It’s wild when memories aren’t true even when more than one person has the memory.
7. Fruit of the Loom Cornucopia
Many recall the Fruit of the Loom logo featuring a cornucopia behind the fruit. The company has stated the logo never had one, despite though confident memories still remember the fruit basket. Do you remember this even though they are memories that aren’t true?
8. The “Objects in Mirror” Warning
Drivers think they remember car mirrors saying, “Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear.” The real warning says “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.” The brain seems to favor the more cautious wording.
9. Curious George’s Tail
People frequently picture Curious George with a long monkey tail because that’s how our brains know it to be. However, the character from Curious George does not have a tail and in reality is a tailless ape.
11. Snow White’s Mirror Line
People often quote the Evil Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as saying, “Mirror, mirror on the wall…” The actual line is “Magic mirror on the wall…” This one is tricky and a lot of people remember it as Mirror, Mirror!
The Thinker’s Pose
Many people recall Auguste Rodin’s sculpture The Thinker with the figure’s fist pressed against his forehead. In reality, his hand rests under his chin. Tourists often recreate the pose incorrectly. Did you know people have memories that aren’t true about this statue or did you always know it was under his chin?
12. The Location of New Zealand
Some maps shared online show New Zealand in slightly different positions, leading some to believe it “moved.” It really hasn’t though and people misremember its placement relative to Australia.
Do you remember these things that aren’t true in the same way many others do? Tell us about it in the comments!