Do you know what the “Mandela Effect” is? That’s when people are dead sure they remember a historical or cultural touchstone correctly, except they’re wrong. It’s named after the late South African president, who many people think died in prison in the ‘80s. YouGov polled Americans on a number of instances where the Mandela Effect is strong. For example:
- 62% think Darth Vader says, “Luke, I am your father.” (He actually says, “No. I am your father.”)
- 58% believe the Monopoly guy wears a monocle. (Only 18% know for sure he doesn’t.)
- 43% think Curious George has a tail. (26% know he doesn’t.)
- But...just 13% actually get the Mandela prison thing wrong -- 57% of us know he went on to become South Africa’s leader.