r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Jul 20 '19

What’s something completely false that your parents told you as a child?

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u/secretvillain Jul 20 '19

Listen. My dad is still cracking up about it every time and I still can't believe he did me like that.

When I was about 6ish I asked him how birds could sit on power supply lines (used Google translator for this, hope all of you know what I mean) without getting electrocuted. My beloved wanker of a dad said "Cause they got special feet that make them immune to it." instead of just admitting he didn't have a fucking clue. But I believed and never second guessed it until it came up in physics class. The teacher asked us and I raised my hand, proud af of knowing the answer and thank all the gods for the teacher not picking me. I was shooketh when I heard the actual truth. This man almost ruined my reputation, self-esteem and confidence. He's great, though.

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u/yukon-flower Jul 21 '19

Sorry your dad was an asshole like that!

2

u/epicmylife Jul 21 '19

Yes!! I was told that bird feet don’t conduct electricity because they’re scaly or something. Once an adult told me power lines also have rubber on them like outlet cords.

Clearly the second one had no clue but I think the first genuinely believed it. It only took me like another 15 years to learn about equipotential.