The left celebrates

August 13, 2012 by Hand Critters

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Today is a very special day. Today we are changing the direction of the Earth’s rotation. For most of the year it goes from left to right. Today we will do it in reverse, from right to left. So, hang on tight, because it’s going to be a fun ride!

Wouldn’t it be fun if that were possible? On the one hand, we haven’t yet figured out how to change the movement of the planet. On the left hand, this is still a very special day, because we are celebrating our friends, family and all critters that are lefties!

The Left and the Right celebrate together

Left is the same as Right, left?

Two hands, ten fingers, they work together and for the same goals; however, some studies estimate that only between 7% and 10% of the population is left-handed. This makes a big difference in terms of how everything around you works. It’s not easy being left-handed. You live in a world designed mostly for people who are right-handed. Everything around you, from tools to living and working spaces, is more accessible for the right-handed majority.

So today, we invite you to join us in celebrating our differences and uniqueness and to learn more about what make left-handed people so special.

Beyond the fifth finger

According to some experts, the reason for why some people are left-handed is a combination of genetics and environmental nurturing. Whatever the reasons for it, it shouldn’t be seen as something negative, as has sometimes happened in the past. Left-handedness was even once seen as a mark of the devil, who, for all we know, could be right handed

Even as a minority, people who are left handed have great powers. That person next to you on the train, holding their phone in the “wrong” hand? S/he could be an undercover agent with superpowers. Let us explain:

Amazing facts about left handed people

They use the right side of the brain the most. According to the left-brain – right-brain theory, the right side of the brain is best at expressive and creative tasks.
They are better at multi-tasking.
They can be excellent baseball players, tennis players, swimmers, boxers and fencers.
They adjust to seeing underwater more quickly.
In a certain number of identical twin pairs, one of the twins is left-handed. Now, which one is it?
Some studies show that left-handedness may reduce the risk of arthritis.

You could say that these are just a few of the many, many skills (and benefits!) developed through human history by the left handers to balance the power of the right. Whatever the case, today is about the left.

International Lefthanders Day

August 13th is Lefthanders Day, a day designated by Lefthanders International since 1992, to promote awareness of the challenges facing left-handers in a predominantly right-handed world.

There have been many examples of great and famous people who are lefties. Presidents such as Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and Barack Obama, writers like H.G. Wells and Lewis Carroll, musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Paul McCartney, and many more.

Perhaps you are, or know someone famous or not-yet-famous, family, friend or acquaintance, who is a lefty. If so, please take the time to share this post with them, and let them know that you appreciate their uniqueness. Let’s remind everyone that the differences between the right and left should not be a reason for harassment or discrimination. You can also show your support by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.