Ever wonder why your notebooks and palms were constantly smeared with ink? Perhaps it was because you were sitting behind a desk that just didn’t feel right. Many left-handers’ struggles kicked off well before they even realized they were a little bit different.
Spiral-bound notebooks digging into their palms made the very act of writing a total pain. It’s estimated that roughly one in ten folks are left-handed.
Living as a minority in a world that simply isn’t built for you is a real uphill battle. And when you toss in the discrimination they often face, it can get downright exhausting. International Lefthanders Day, which rolls around every August 13th, shines a spotlight on these challenges while celebrating the sheer uniqueness of being left-handed.
Want to know how this holiday came to be and grab some tips on joining the festivities? Plus, you’ll discover a bunch of cool, new facts about left-handed peeps!
The Backstory: How International Lefthanders Day Came to Be
Left-handed individuals have been battling discrimination for ages. Way back in the Middle Ages, they were even branded as evil and often accused of witchcraft. It quickly blossomed into an annual shindig celebrating the quirky coolness of being left-handed. On top of that, this celebration truly helped to boost awareness about the hurdles left-handed folks encounter.
In 1990, a full 14 years after the inaugural Lefthanders Day, Campbell founded the Lefthanders Club. Just two years later, the club officially threw its weight behind the International Lefthanders Day celebrations.
Join the Fun: How to Celebrate International Lefthanders Day
Shout it Out Online
International Lefthanders Day is the perfect moment to dish about the left-handed experience. If you’re not a lefty yourself, you can dive into some research or lend your voice by sharing articles like this and info about International Lefthanders Day across your social media channels.
Embrace the Lefties’ Game
For you lefties out there, this game is an absolute breeze! For everyone else, the rules are still super simple: give your right hand the day off and let your left hand take charge of everything. The whole point of this game is to give right-handed folks a little taste of what it’s like for left-handed people who are constantly forced to use their right hands.
Champion Left-Handed Gear
Thankfully, you can now snag products specifically made for left-handed people in stores. Go ahead and ask your workplace or school to hook up left-handed folks with modified notebooks, scissors, computer mice, and desks. This is just one small step towards making them feel more at home in what is largely a right-handed world.
Burning Questions: International Lefthanders Day FAQ
Is Being Left-Handed in Your DNA?
Left-handedness can definitely run in families, with a bunch of different genes playing a role. So, if both your folks are left-handed, you’ve got about a 26% chance of being a lefty too. However, a child’s surroundings also have a hand in shaping which hand becomes dominant.
Any Perks to Being a Lefty?
Left-handed individuals are often considered top-notch boxers, tennis players, and pitchers. One plausible reason? They typically train to wield both hands, unlike their right-handed rivals.
Do Left-Handed Folks Gravitate Towards Specific Careers?
Researchers have noticed that more left-handed individuals pursue gigs as lawyers or architects. On the flip side, they’re less likely to end up as mathematicians, orthopedic surgeons, or librarians.
Are Left-Handed Drivers a Menace?
Contrary to popular belief, left-handed drivers aren’t entirely hopeless behind the wheel. They’re actually more prone to acing their driver’s exam on the very first try. However, they might also rack up more speeding tickets or face a higher risk of serious accidents.
Five Fun Facts About Left-Handed People
It’s more common for left-handed people to be born into the British Royal Family, much like King George VI and Queen Victoria. While society has generally become more accepting of southpaws, they still bump into plenty of challenges.
That, my friend, is just one of the many compelling reasons why celebrating International Lefthanders Day is such a big deal! This celebration gives us a chance to truly appreciate the unique sparkle of left-handed people while also shining a light on their struggles. By doing so, we all join forces to craft a more inclusive world for them.
