Often, there are quotes, spellings, symbols, events, or experiences that many of us “know” occurred, but which did not actually happen. This phenomenon is known as the “Mandela Effect,” or “collective false memory.” Its name derives from the false recollection of many people that Nelson Mandela died in the 1980s in prison when, in fact, he lived until 2013. It was recently reintroduced to American society through the current hit HBO comedy docuseries called “How To with John Wilson.”

One example of such a false memory is the iconic quote, “Luke, I am your father,” which Darth Vader proclaimed to his son, Luke Skywalker, in the 1980 classic film “Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back.” Many of us remember that quote and, if we breathe deeply enough, and reach into the bottom of our soul, we can imitate the famous James Earl Jones line. However, that line was never uttered. The correct quote is, “No. I am your father.” (If you don’t believe us, let’s go to the videotape.) (It’s okay. We’ll wait.)

Originally published in NSCP Currents - January 2021.