15 Things You Thought Were Common, But Are Actually Rare
Uncover the truth behind common misconceptions with our eye-opening slideshow. From misunderstood medical conditions to overblown fears, we reveal what’s truly rare, despite popular belief.
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Welcome to a world where perception and reality often diverge. In our daily lives, we encounter numerous beliefs and assumptions that seem common, but are they really? From the odds of hitting a jackpot to the prevalence of green eyes, we’re here to debunk some of the most common misconceptions. Join us as we explore 17 things that are extremely rare, yet many people believe they’re quite common.
Heroic Fire Rescues
The image of a brave individual re-entering a burning building to save someone is a common trope in movies and TV shows. However, in reality, this is extremely rare and highly discouraged due to the immense risk involved. Professional firefighters are trained to handle these situations with protective equipment and knowledge of fire behavior.
Midnight Burglaries
Contrary to popular belief, most burglaries do not happen in the middle of the night. According to crime statistics, the majority of burglaries occur during the day when people are at work or school. The image of a burglar sneaking around in the dead of night is more a product of media portrayal than reality.
Halloween Drug Myth
The idea of people giving away drugs disguised as Halloween candy is a persistent urban myth. In reality, this is extremely rare. Most reported cases have turned out to be hoaxes or misunderstandings. Drugs are expensive, and it’s highly unlikely that someone would distribute them randomly to children.
College Dropout Millionaires
Stories of college dropouts becoming millionaires or billionaires, like Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg, are often highlighted in the media. However, these are exceptional cases and not the norm. Most successful entrepreneurs have completed their education, and dropping out of college usually leads to lower income and fewer job opportunities.
Red Hair
Red hair is often seen in media and popular culture, leading many to believe it’s more common than it actually is. In reality, only about 2% of the world’s population has red hair. It’s the rarest natural hair color, with the highest concentration found in Scotland and Ireland.
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder, is a rare condition. Despite its frequent portrayal in movies and TV shows, it affects only about 1-2% of the population. Moreover, the dramatic and often sensationalized portrayal in media is not representative of the real experiences of most people with DID.
Water Breaking in Pregnancy
In movies and TV shows, a woman’s water breaking in a dramatic gush is often the first sign of labor. However, in reality, this only happens in about 15% of pregnancies. Most of the time, labor starts with contractions and the water may not break until later stages of labor or it may be broken by a healthcare provider.
Resuscitating Drowning Victims
The success rate of resuscitating someone who has drowned is lower than many people think. If the heart stops, there is only a 1 in 20 chance of survival with CPR. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can double these chances, but that’s still only 1 in 10. The majority of hearts that stop do not restart.
Gym Bullying
The stereotype of fit gym-goers laughing at or belittling those who are new or out of shape is largely a myth. Most people at the gym are focused on their own workouts, and many are supportive of others’ fitness journeys. Positive reinforcement and encouragement are much more common than mockery or judgment.
Eating Tide Pods
The “Tide Pod Challenge” gained media attention a few years ago, leading to the perception that it was a common occurrence. In reality, only a small number of incidents were reported, and the trend was quickly discouraged due to the serious health risks involved.
Airplane Crashes
Fear of flying is common, often due to the fear of a plane crash. However, the odds of being in a plane crash are extremely low, about 1 in a million. Traveling by car is statistically much more dangerous, but it’s a risk that people are more accustomed to and therefore underestimate.
Hitting a Jackpot
The allure of hitting a jackpot and becoming instantly wealthy is a major draw for casinos. However, the odds of winning a significant amount on a slot machine or lottery ticket are incredibly low. Casinos are profitable businesses because they are designed to ensure that the house always has the edge.
Autistic Savants
The portrayal of autistic individuals as savants with extraordinary talents, as popularized by movies like “Rain Man”, is not the norm. While some people with autism have exceptional abilities, known as savant syndrome, the majority do not. Autism is a spectrum disorder, and abilities can range widely among those affected.
Green Eyes
Green eyes are often admired for their rarity and beauty. However, they are indeed rare. Only about 1-2% of the world’s population has green eyes, making it one of the least common eye colors globally.
Insanity Defense
The insanity defense is often portrayed in media as a common and easy way to escape punishment for a crime. In reality, it’s rarely used and seldom successful. It requires substantial evidence to prove that the defendant was unable to distinguish right from wrong at the time of the crime.
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