International Lefthanders Day
Navigating life with a unique perspective, it's like being part of an exclusive club where creativity and adaptability shine.
From scissors to knives, from can openers to cork screws, Left Handers (also sometimes called Southpaws) can be the brunt of jokes all year long due to their unique hand dominance.
But this is the day to ignore all of that and bring awareness to all of those right handed folks around the globe in celebration of Left Handers Day.
After all, as the old saying goes– right handed people operate on the left side of the brain, which means that left handed people are functioning on the right side. Therefore, only left handed people are in their right mind!
It’s time to take a look at Left Handers Day!
History of Left Handers Day
Celebrating its first year of existence in 1976, the Lefthanders International organization helped raise awareness to the myriad of difficulties that can be faced by people who are left handed.
Being accused of witchcraft in the 1600s for just using one hand more than the other, was only the beginning! Since only 10 percent of the population is left handed, various items made especially for those who are left-handed are typically more expensive than their right handed counterparts.
Objects such as scissors, knives and even school desks can see a mark up of almost 75 percent more for left handed individuals! Even sports fanatics will pay out the nose, as golf clubs sometimes see as much as a 200 percent increase depending on their brand.
But even though it can be difficult and, admittedly, a bit more expensive, those left handers in the world are certainly unique and interesting people. And this is the perfect day to celebrate them!
How to Celebrate Left Handers Day
Celebrating Left Handers Day is a fun and simple way to acknowledge the unique position of those whose dominant hand is their left. Try celebrating in these ways:
Brag About Being Left Handed
For those who are left handed, today is the day to celebrate and enjoy! Wear a left-handers t-shirt or make a proud post on social media. Embrace this special quality and show that pride in being left handed!
Appreciate a Left Handed Person
Those who aren’t left handed can contact those friends and family members who are left handed and give them a congratulatory hug for the struggles they have faced in their lifetimes!
Tell them how interesting they are and how much they are appreciated for their contributions to the world. Take them to lunch or coffee and offer to try eating with the opposite hand to see what it’s like.
Try “Walking a Mile In Their Shoes”
Okay, well maybe their shoes would be the same. But how about their scissors, or knives or guitars or computer mouse?
Take some time to feel the pain of a left hander living in a right handed world by sharing in their difficulties.
This can be done easily enough by asking them to borrow their left handed scissors and then using them with the right hand! Just the discomfort alone tends to be enough to bring people around to understanding.
In addition, learning to throw a ball or write on a desk designed for a right handed person is difficult for a Southpaw, so why not swap the table on them and sit them at a left handed student desk to write some things down with their right hand?
Introduce individuals to the inherent difficulties of using a left handed paring knife in their right hand. Or show them how coffee mugs are made with the picture and writing so one would have to use the cup in the right hand in order to make use of it as it was intended.
Take a look at a computer mouse–which is intended for a right handed person–and see how difficult it becomes without knowing how to swap it to the left handed mode.
Tell Some Left Handed Jokes
But whatever is done, don’t forget the fun jokes and fun facts surrounding the idea that left handed people are better (or at least more unique!) than right handed people.
For instance, remind those nearby that everyone is born right handed, but only the greatest overcome it! Or tell a friend that it is believed that octopuses only have one right hand. Or that polar bears are believed to be primarily left handed.
International Lefthanders Day FAQs
Why are left-handed scissors so important for left-handers?
Left-handed scissors are designed with reversed blade positions to match the natural hand motion of left-handers.
Standard scissors force awkward angles, making cutting more challenging. Left-handed tools improve precision and reduce strain, demonstrating the practical adjustments left-handers often make.
What is the scientific explanation behind left-handedness?
Left-handedness arises from brain lateralization, with the right hemisphere controlling the left hand.
Genetic and environmental factors influence handedness, though no single “left-handed gene” exists. Interestingly, only about 10% of the population is left-handed.
Are left-handers better at multitasking?
Some studies suggest left-handers may have enhanced communication between brain hemispheres.
This could give them an edge in multitasking or processing complex information. However, this theory is debated, and individual skills vary greatly.
How do schools accommodate left-handed students today?
Modern classrooms often provide tools like left-handed desks, scissors, and writing aids.
Teachers are more aware of left-handers’ needs, encouraging ergonomic techniques. These improvements help left-handed students succeed in traditionally right-handed learning environments.
Do left-handers face unique challenges in art?
Left-handers often smudge pencil or ink while drawing or writing, as their hand moves over fresh lines. Some adapt by angling the paper or using quick-drying inks.
Despite challenges, left-handed artists like Leonardo da Vinci created timeless masterpieces.
Are there any myths about left-handers in ancient cultures?
Many ancient cultures considered left-handedness unlucky. For example, Roman augurs interpreted left-side omens as bad. In contrast, some Native American tribes viewed left-handedness as a sign of creativity or spiritual insight.
How do left-handed chefs work in professional kitchens?
Left-handed chefs often adapt to right-handed tools like knives and peelers, which can be awkward or dangerous.
Specialty left-handed kitchen tools help improve efficiency and comfort in high-pressure culinary environments.
Why is the word for “left” often linked to negativity in language?
Many languages associate “left” with clumsiness or bad luck. For example, “sinister” in Latin means both “left” and “evil.” These linguistic biases reflect historical prejudice against left-handedness.
Do left-handers excel in any specific professions?
Some studies suggest left-handers excel in creative fields, like music and art, or interactive ones, like sports.
They may also thrive in professions requiring out-of-the-box thinking, as their unique perspectives often challenge norms.
How do left-handers celebrate International Left-Handers Day?
Left-handers worldwide celebrate with themed parties, left-handed sports challenges, and social media campaigns.
Some use the day to raise awareness about left-handed struggles, like difficulty with tools or workplace accommodations.
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