Urban legends intrigue many globally, but some harmfully stereotype and induce fear. In response to "What urban legend needs to die?" here are 15 popular answers:
You Need To Rush To The Hospital When Your Water Breaks
"Water break doesn't mean immediate rush to hospital or painful birth. Birth circumstances are usually not as dramatic as portrayed. Minimizing fear could simplify the process."
“Detoxing treatments…… NO Sharon, “harmful chemicals” are not just going to ooze out of your face and feet if you use that mask… That’s not how the human body works at all damn!”
"Oral-genital activities can lead to STDs. Many women get digestive issues due to unprotected oral-genital stimulation and STDs at the free health clinic I work at."
It’s An Offense To Rip The Tag Off Of Your Mattress
"It's a felony for stores and manufacturers to rip tags off new mattresses due to past recycling scandals. Once bought and the warranty expires, you are free to remove it."
If You Touch Baby Birds/Rabbits, Their Mothers Will Reject Them
"Contrary to myth, touching baby animals won't make their mothers reject them due to human scent. However, interfere only if necessary. If unsure, call a wildlife rehabilitator."
Halloween Candies May Contain Poison, Razor Blades, Or Even Drugs
"Evidence of poison or razor blades in Halloween candy is virtually non-existent, except for one recorded case." One person noted their mother's thorough checks on each candy they received. []
"Daddy long legs, also known as cellar spiders, are viewed as highly venomous. This is a myth, as their fangs are too small to transfer venom. The term describes various non-venomous arachnids."
“Ostriches. Do not bury. Their heads. In the sand. If they’re afraid of something, they will run, kick, or bite. One of my biggest animal myth pet peeves.”
Doctors Shall Steal Your Organs If You’re An Organ Donor
"One believed doctors let you die to steal organs. My stepson thought EMS did the same. After arguing & highlighting the absurdity, he reconsidered, although still suspects hospital policy."
"GMOs aren't bad. We've been modifying organisms via breeding for ages. CRISPER is a sharper, sterilized version of this practice, not an obsidian dagger."
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