On Lefthandedness
Article by Mark Simpson
"Cack-handed", "lefty", and "Southpaw" are just some of the unflattering words used to describe the left handed -- even in these 'enlightened' times. Here, Mark Simpson, left hander, Willfield Open Learner, and Weston Coyney resident writes of their problems in a right-handed world, and reveals a few surprising facts.....
The world is geared to right handedness which makes it very hard for us left handers. Being left handed mean tools are more difficult to work with, and when I am writing, I have to push the pen across the page, covering up what I have already written.
LEARNING for a left handed child is also difficult. Some teachers treat left handers with contempt, and he or she is more likely to be an under achiever.
MORE THAN ONE PERSON IN TEN is left handed and in sport, left handers come into their own. In tennis, there is Jimmy Conners and John McEnroe. In boxing, Muhammud Ali and Marvyn Hagler.
PAUL McCARTNEY, who is left handed, bought his first guitar and had to turn the strings around. Another famous left hander is golfer, Lee Trevino, the best putter in the business. Golf is one of the few sports where the left hander is catered for.
IN THE BIBLE there is a story about a tribe of left handed people. This gave them an advantage in times of war as the enemy held their weapons and shields in their right hand, making it difficult for them to defend themselves against the left handers.
LIFE can be difficult for the left hander, but then, maybe having no hands at all is worse!!
Copyright The Bentilean 1999
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