And yet, numbers and measurements haunt Detroit as it tries to move beyond myth.

FORBES: Detroit's Misery Can Be Its Turning Point

Education advocates are not only fighting for equal resources for students, but are also up against the Model Minority Myth, which claims that Asian American students achieve above and beyond the general population.

WHITEHOUSE: Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Blog

Brazil's travelling support has always been a myth, only the priviledged can afford it, since overseas travel is beyond the dreams of the average fan.

BBC: Bielsa's men go it alone