20 Basic Concepts That People Keep Getting Wrong
Reddit is full of insightful discussions, and a recent question sparked a fascinating conversation: “What’s something crucial that an alarming number of people don’t know?” The answers ranged from shocking revelations to surprisingly simple facts that too many overlook.
From life-saving medical tips to essential financial advice, this thread revealed just how many important truths go unnoticed.
#1
Image source: swest26, David Suarez/unsplash (not the actual photo)
If you ride in the passenger seat with your feet on the dashboard and the airbag deploys, it can force your legs upward and through the windshield often resulting in severe injuries or even amputation.
#2
Image source: Literate-Booklice, freepik (not the actual photo)
You don’t drive better drunk or h**h.
#3
Image source: MrFantastic1984, Ellie Burgin/pexels (not the actual photo)
Never mix cleaning solutions. Combining bleach with vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners creates toxic gases that can be extremely dangerous or even deadly.
#4
Image source: lestairwellwit, Carolina Heza/unsplash (not the actual photo)
Head injuries can be deadly.
If you or someone you know gets hit hard enough to pass out or lose consciousness, see a doctor immediately brain bleeds are a silent killer.
- If you fall and hit your head, seek medical help.
- If something falls and hits your head, get checked out.
I cringe at videos of people getting knocked out in street fights seriously, get checked out.
#5
Image source: fuzzyloulou, David Dibert/pexels (not the actual photo)
How the U.S. Government Actually Works (And Why Many People Get It Wrong)
#6
Image source: Dahlia_and_Rose, Matt Palmer/unsplash (not the actual photo)
Climate change is real, and both the GOP and Democrats supported action on it until a massive astroturfing campaign funded by the Koch brothers changed the narrative.
Anyone claiming that global warming isn’t human-induced is either paid to say so or has fallen for their propaganda.
#7
Image source: LSama, Patrick Hendry/unsplash (not the actual photo)
The EPA was created because, in 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland caught fire for the 13th time since 1868. Factories had been dumping toxic waste into the river unchecked, and after yet another fire, the government finally stepped in. The EPA forced industries to manage their waste responsibly instead of poisoning the environment.
But corporations didn’t want to comply. Instead of following regulations, many chose to outsource their factories to countries with little to no environmental restrictions. Once companies realized this was the cheaper option, outsourcing became the norm meaning countless American workers lost their jobs simply because companies didn’t want to pay for proper waste disposal.
That’s how f****d up the U.S. is.
Part II: The Hanford Nuclear Site in Washington state has been leaking toxic waste since the 1970s. Now, despite being decommissioned, it’s still home to a metric assload of radioactive waste much of it stored underground. Over time, these waste plumes have eroded their containment and are slowly creeping toward the Columbia River, the 8th largest river in the U.S. If they reach it, massive amounts of toxic waste will contaminate the water.
That’s how f****d up the U.S. is.
#8
Image source: BeautifulStaarr, Andrea Piacquadio/pexels (not the actual photo)
Many people don’t realize how harmful sleep deprivation really is. It weakens your immune system, strains your heart, and can have long-term effects on your brain. Too many people brush it off as no big deal, but running on little sleep constantly can seriously impact your health.
#9
Image source: Sad_Cow_577, william william/unsplash (not the actual photo)
99% of Americans don’t know what a tariff is.
#10
Image source: GrinningPariah, Dillon Kydd/unsplash (not the actual photo)
Garage door springs are extremely dangerous and can kill you. Do not mess with them.
#11
Image source: peach_dragon, Laudyer Batista/pexels (not the actual photo)
You should always walk facing oncoming traffic it gives you a better chance to see and react to approaching vehicles.
#12
Image source: Ninakittycat, cottonbro studio/pexels (not the actual photo)
When to STFU.
#13
Image source: saintsithney, Josh Appel/unsplash (not the actual photo)
Disability is a numbers game.
If you live long enough, you will become disabled in some way.
Your brain may trick you into believing that your Special Wonderful Specialness or Superior Logic makes you the exception but it doesn’t. It never will.
Just like everyone else, you will experience physical decline, followed by eventual death. There’s no escaping it.
The only thing you can do is work to make life easier for disabled people—because one day, that person will be you.
#14
Image source: DisabledButts, Cliff Booth/pexels (not the actual photo)
Women have three holes in their private area. You’d be shocked at how many of my female friends growing up had no idea.
#15
Image source: NitrosGone803, Levi Damasceno/pexels (not the actual photo)
Never put water on a grease fire it will make it explode. Use a lid, baking soda, or a fire extinguisher instead.
#16
Image source: supremez-, Unseen Studio/unsplash (not the actual photo)
A shocking number of people struggle with basic literacy.
#17
Image source: palekillerwhale, Alena Darmel/pexels (not the actual photo)
Don’t let rogue billionaires take control of your federal payment systems.
#18
Image source: Amiiboid, Andy Li/unsplash (not the actual photo)
Tariffs aren’t paid by the country they target they’re paid by you, the consumer.
#19
Image source: GrowthDowntown8645, Maxim Ilyahov/unsplash (not the actual photo)
How to Spot Misinformation – Too many people believe whatever they see on social media without questioning the source or verifying the facts. Always check where the information comes from, look for credible sources, and be skeptical of anything designed to provoke an emotional reaction.
#20
Giving tax cuts to the wealthy does not create jobs or improved economic conditions for the non-wealthy.
