The Mandela Effect

The Mandela Effect refers to a curious phenomenon where large groups of people share the same incorrect memories. The phrase was introduced by Fiona Broome, a researcher in the paranormal field, after she realized that many people shared her mistaken recollection of Nelson Mandela dying in prison during the 1980s. In reality, Mandela was released from prison in 1990 and went on to become South Africa's first president in 1994.

Here are some intriguing examples of the Mandela Effect:

• Nelson Mandela
  A widespread misconception is that Nelson Mandela died in prison during the 1980s.
• Monopoly Man
  A popular belief is that the Monopoly Man sports a monocle, but he actually doesn't.
• Curious George
  People often envision Curious George with a tail, yet he has no tail.
• The Berenstain Bears
  Many folks mistakenly recall the name as the "Berenstein Bears."
• Jif Peanut Butter
  A common mistake is remembering this popular brand of peanut butter as "Jiffy Peanut Butter."
• Froot Loops
  A common mistake is remembering this classic cereal as "Fruit Loops."
• Fruit of the Loom
  Many people remember Fruit of the Loom logo featuring a cornucopia. The logo has never featured a cornucopia.
• Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
  In this iconic film, Darth Vader says, "No, I am your father," but many misquote it as "Luke, I am your father."
• Looney Tunes
  A common mistake is remembering the title of these classic cartoons as "Looney Toons."
• KitKat
  Contrary to popular belief, KitKat is not spelled Kit-Kat. The KitKat logo has never been hyphenated on wrappers in either the U.K. or the U.S.
• The Flintstones
  A common mistake is remembering the name of primetime TV's first animated series as "The Flinstones."
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
  In the Disney classic, the quote is actually "Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?" Yet many remember it as "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?"

The Mandela Effect: Fact or Fiction?

Peoples memories are far from perfect. The Mandela Effect suggests that many people might recall what they would expect to see, rather than the reality of what they actually did see.