To the left, to the left

What does it mean to be left-handed in a predominantly right-handed world?

Being left-handed is akin to having red hair, it’s present in a small percentage of the population, and holds no stigma in today’s society.

Originally, a naturally left-handed child would spark parental panic. Professionals would be hastily called in to correct this “misfortune” and the lefty would be coached to conform to the right-handed norm.

Left to conquer 

With a plethora of accomplished lefties who, over the past century, broke through the barrier and illustrated to the world that we have the same potential as our right-handed counterparts, our difference is now celebrated rather than shunned.

A left-handed childhood

Being left-handed as a child, I felt ever so slightly “out of left field,” (pun intended). Luckily, my left-handed father provided any guidance I must have needed as a very young child, after which, I managed well. I’m still not entirely sure how my right-handed mother taught me how to knit, it must have been incredibly challenging teaching everything in the completely opposite way, but she did it without complaint. Lefties aren’t different enough to make us feel special, however we are just different enough to make us feel that we are different.

Nuisances

If you look carefully, you can find many subtle ways in which the world is designed specifically for right-handed people at the ‘peril’ of lefties. Things that are not noticeable unless you’re looking, create micro-issues for lefties on a daily basis. From stationery, sports equipment, clothing, kitchen utensils to musical instruments, PC keyboards, door handles, and the list goes on. 

So, what is the lefty approach?

Lefties certainly don’t demand that right-handed individuals change their ways to suit our requirements. We don’t consider ourselves victims. We accept that we are a minority of roughly 10% of the population living in a predominantly right-handed world. We acknowledge that in order to remain efficient and fast-paced, the world must cater for the masses. We don’t grumble and grouse, except on the odd occasion where we, in jest, blame our illegible hand-writing or pathetic cutting skills on our left-handedness. 

Proud to be a lefty

We may occasionally require certain micro-adjustments to accommodate our unique needs, however, we generally just get on with life and make a plan to work around the little nuisances, all the while embracing our uniqueness. This has resulted in a community who is strong, resilient and proud. 

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