Did you know that left-handed people are so unique that only 10% of the world’s population is left-handed?
Every year, on August 13th, lefties around the world get to celebrate their uniqueness on International Left-Handers Day.
This special day not only honours left-handed individuals but also aims to raise awareness about the challenges they face in a world predominantly designed for right-handers.
If you’re left-handed, you’re probably well aware that this is undeniably a right-handed world. It seems like everything has been designed with righties in mind, which is understandable considering the fact that about 90% of the global population is right-handed.
But being left-handed isn’t all that uncommon. Although we only have 10% of the world’s population that is left-handed, it may surprise you to know that some of history’s most remarkable figures fall into this category. Legendary individuals like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Aristotle, Albert Einstein, and Julius Caesar were all left-handed. We also have left-handed living legends, the likes of Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Kirk Franklin, LeBron James, Angelina Jolie, Keanu Reeves, Morgan Freeman, and Tom Cruise – just to name a few.
This impressive lineup just proves the fact that left-handed people might be in the minority but it doesn’t make them any less awesome. Although the downside is it doesn’t make them immune to the struggles as well.
Read on to see some problems that lefties face on a daily. Can you relate?
1. Writing struggle
For lefties, simply writing in their notes can be a lot. Because the book is naturally designed for right-handers, as they write, their hand glides across the paper and ends up leaving an ink trail as portrayed in this picture below.
Also, binders and spiral notebooks are usually designed for the right-handed so the rings or spirals dig into the hand while writing or note-taking, making it a real struggle to write comfortably.
Lefties often have to twist their wrists in weird ways to avoid the discomfort caused by these writing tools.
2. Scissors struggle
It’s almost impossible to find a pair of left-handed scissors in the store as standard scissors are built with right-handed users in mind.
Simple tasks like cutting a straight line can turn into a major challenge for lefties.
3. Right-handed tools rule the world
Tools, musical instruments, and kitchen gadgets are usually designed for the right-handed. Lefties often have to adapt or improvise, which can lead to a really stressful experience and sometimes safety concerns.
Learning to play a right-handed guitar as a leftie or using right-handed kitchen tools takes serious adaptability skills.
4. Computer mouse issues
In this digital age, it’s become specifically a real struggle for left-handers individuals. The mouse and the overall default settings are usually for right-handed users, leaving lefties to deal with the discomfort.
This is a minor inconvenience that adds up over time and a constant reminder that the world has a right-handed bias.
5. Seating struggles
Ever seen those seats that are usually connected to tables just like the one below?
This right here, is a left-hander’s nightmare.
If you’re a left-handed person, we totally understand the daily struggles you face. But never forget how unique you really are.
Happy left-handers Day!
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