Looking at the World from a Left-hander's Point of View

Scissors, computers, power saws, writing, reading, some knives, and even some classroom desks are only a few examples of devices specifically designed fo right handers. Few right-handers even stop to consider the difficulties which may confront a lefty trying to use tools simply not designed for him. Lefties have appeared clumsy and awkward, but in reality, they must become more skilled than right-handers. Most left-handed people must not only learn to use their dominant (left) hand well, but also learn to master basic skills with their weaker (right) hand. Lefties have to adapt to a world simply not designed for them. What's really interesting about studying the left-handed population is that in spite of all these annoyances (and even hindrances) left-handers seem somewhat overrepresented among the genuises and psychopaths. From Mozart to Jack the Ripper, many well-known people in history were left-handed or ambidextrous. Some were born that way; others switched due to injury, but in any case, they have impacted the world in a way that cannot be ignored.

Inventor Thomas Edison was left-handed. Perhaps if he had not been left-handed electricity would not have occurred to him. Maybe Mozart's melodies wouldn't be quite the same if written from a right-hander's perspective. Researchers really don't know the entire effect that handedness has over someone's point of view, lifestyle, and basic thought pattern. There are studies and tests going on all the time, but in the end no one really knows how much of someone's world is affected by being left-handed. It's one of those mysteries that puzzles scientists and annoys left-handers trying to use ordinary scissors.

Though being a lefty can be a pain sometimes, it's not all bad. There are some advantages, and it can definitely become part of one's personality. Lefties have been noted as impressive pitchers, excellent in one-on-one combat, and surprisingly skilled politicians. It's an interesting thing to be in public and have people notice you're a lefty. Most people don't notice at all, but occasionally a fellow lefty smiles and mentions it. It's almost like a secret club that you are either born into or not. It's not an elitist philosophy or a chauvinism towards being left-handed, but there is a definite difference between lefties and righties. Most right-handers don't notice a thing, but how often do they try to use left-handed scissors or setup their computer's mouse on the left side? It's a barely noticeable issue until you're the one dealing with it.