Did you know that about 90% of people in the world are right-handed? Although this subject is rarely discussed, life is often difficult for lefties in a right-handed world.
Many cultures have not been friendly to lefties over the years. In Latin, it was connected with something "unlucky" and "evil". In Old English, "left" meant "weak". In Islamic culture, people commonly use their left hand to clean themselves after they use the toilet, so many Muslims feel the left hand is unclean.
Because of these ideas, parents often force their left-handed children to write with their right hands. Studies show that forcing left-handed children to use the right hand can cause learning disorders and speech issues. Besides these challenges, lefties must use tools which aren't made for them. Most scissors, knives, and musical instruments are designed for righties. Using these items can be difficult or even dangerous for lefties.
Some believe that it occurs due to gene movements in the spinal cord before birth. Another study has said that there are social reasons why few people are lefties. People may choose to become right-handed to fit in with others.
Though there are challenges, being left-handed can be good in many ways. This is because right-handers who play against them are not used to their moves. Some studies have also found that on average, left-handers are better at remembering things and dealing with difficult math problems.
Today, society's ideas about being left-handed have started to change. More and more people believe that being left-handed is a gift to a person instead of a curse. It's on August 13 and called International Lefthanders Day. Left-handed people gather together to celebrate. This special day lets people know that it's OK if things aren't all right all the time.
A. Left-handers have some disadvantages.
B. There's even a special day for left-handers.
C. Being a left-hander sometimes does better jobs.
D. For starters, left-handers might do better in sports.
E. Scientists still aren't sure why people become left-handed.
F. The word was linked to negative ideas in several languages.
G. Unfortunately, this can cause problems with their development.
