Everyone is guilty. Sworn something to be true when, in fact, it never happened. This could be because of a popular theory known as the “Mandela Effect.” This concept got its name due to the debate over the death of Nelson Mandela.

In 2010, Fiona Broome presented her contention about Nelson Mandela dying in prison in the 1980s; she recalled riots and TV broadcasts on the topic from years before. But none of that ever happened, because Nelson Mandela was still alive in 2010 when she made her statement. But once she had introduced this false idea, many more individuals agreed with her claim, and she went on to coin the theory as the Mandela Effect. Over time, more and more people have found that they commonly remember a small detail of history, a logo, or a phrase differently than facts would show.

Senior Abigail Yurich, asked for her own definition of the Mandela Effect, responded, “It’s when two parallel universes collide and the majority of people remember one thing, but in reality it is not true.” She also gave a few examples of the theory, which included the line from “Snow White”: “Magic mirror on the wall” but initially everyone recites “Mirror mirror on the wall.” And then there’s the famous quote from “Star Wars”, “No, I am your father,” which is remembered as “Luke, I am your father.”

When asked by juniors Alli Khalil and Amanda Raynow for their opinions on a few different occurrences of the Mandela Effect, several classmates shared their astonishment. Emma Oplinger was told that “Febreze” was only spelled with one “e” between the “r” and the “z” she was utterly astonished, and claimed, “I am shook,” with a dropped jaw.

Again when the Mandela Effect regarding the quote in “Snow White” came up the students were utterly gobsmacked. Junior Michael DeSciscio summed up the reaction of the group of students when he shouted, “I hate my life! My childhood has been ruined!”

The staff of Walsh Jesuit seems to be much more skeptical. When the theory was explained to Mr. Chase, he was quick to point out that he believes it is just people’s misinterpretations. Mr. Thomas and Mr. Karthan agree that changing reality or the past is “too confusing” and “impossible.”

So, are you guilty of promoting the Mandela Effect? Do you pass on facts based on reality, or do you fall for fiction pulled from your faulty memory and the words of others?

Take this Mandela Effect Test and see what you remember!