Being a Leftie in a Right-Handed World
Common Positive and Negative Connotations, Famous Southpaws
Left-handed people make up about 10-15% of the world’s population, so it is not unexpected that many tools designed by humans are tailored for the majority. Spare a thought for lefties – not only are they often impeded by this inborn trait, but also viewed with suspicion, especially in cultures where the left side of one’s body was considered the devil’s side.
Artistic and Tactical Benefits of Being Left-Handed
However, along with the negative connotations come some favourable associations. Left-hand people are generally believed to be more artistic, and perhaps even more prone to genius – this is attributed to the fact that the right side of their brain, which controls visual and creative functions, is more developed.
Despite the fact that the world seems made for right-handed people, lefties actually have a tactical advantage for some sports. For instance, in badminton or tennis, they wield their racquets in a different way so it is harder for right handed opponents to predict their moves.
With the same manner of argument, researchers also claim that left-handed fighters are more skillful than right-handed fighters, as it is more difficult for opponents to foresee and block a punch thrown in the opposite direction.
This rule also applies for sports like cricket or softball. In fact, the term "southpaw", used to refer to left-handers, has its origins in baseball. At the ballpark, the batters face east, so that they are not blinded by the afternoon or evening sun; so left-handed pitchers would throw with their "south-side" arm.
Left Hand Disadvantage
The word sinistra, which is Latin for sinister, means left (handed) – so there is little wonder why in the past there was a stigma associated with being left-handed. Parents would often smack their children’s left hand or tie it behind their back, forcing them to write with their right. In Zulu, it was perceived as such a defect that left-handed children would have their unfortunate left hand shoved into a hole filled with boiling water.
One of the common myths attributed to left-handers is that they tend to be more awkward and clumsy. This could not be more inaccurate, according to psychologist Professor Michael Corballis at the University of Auckland. He pointed out that the only reason why this holds true is because left-handers struggle to adapt to using tools designed for right-handers.
In fact, there have been studies showing that when the situation is reversed, right-handed people have even more difficulty mastering tools designed for left-handers. But this is probably due to the conditioning of society rather than any inherent dexterity, as right-handed people virtually never have to adapt for tools the way that left-handed people must.
Famous Southpaws
If the common conception that being left-handed signifies artistic creativity holds true, then these artistes are living proof. Musicians Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain were lefties, and so are Paul McCartney and Phil Collins. Actors Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman are also amongst their ranks. Even artist Leonardo da Vinci was famous for being left-handed, with his personal notebooks of “mirror-writing.”
Judging by the following list of conquerors and heads of state, left-handed people may have been born into leadership roles. Julius Caesar, Winston Churchill and Napoleon were part of the minority but went down in history as highly admired leaders. The current president of the United States, Barack Obama, is also a southpaw, as is the other 2008 presidential candidate John McCain.
So although the world is made up of predominantly right-handed people, it seems lefties have their fair share of representation in the world today. In fact, there is even an annual designated Left-Handers’ Day on August 13. At least, the superstition associated with southpaws has now largely dissipated, and people are allowed to develop however they are inclined when it comes to using their right or left hand.
References
"When Left is Right" by Carrol Baker, Life Etc (March 2009)
"Lefties Urged to Show their Hand" by Sarah Collerton, ABC New Online
Left-Handed Guitarist
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Writing with the Left Hand
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