Left-Handed in a Right-Handed World

Is there a politically correct name for us? Right-challenged maybe? Everyday items we use present a challenge. Enough so that there actually are stores and online sites for left-handed items.

It all started in first grade. Catholic school nuns did not tolerate left-handedness. English was not my language so it was difficult trying to figure out why I kept getting my knuckles cracked with the ruler. When finally the pencil was placed in my right hand, I proceeded to write everything backwards.  Still can. My parents were called in after a week. Seems I was possessed by the devil and had to be removed to public school.

Public school was more lenient except for those one-piece chair desks. My arm was always tired at the end of the school day because it wasn’t supported. Pencil sharpeners and water fountains were also right-handed affairs. Can’t begin to count the number of times the handle unscrewed or my pencil got horridly jammed and mangled. Sports equipment for lefties is a luxury item.

Pens were a hazard. Ink doesn’t dry fast enough for the lefty. Smudges mark the paper unless the angle is adjusted with a back slant. By day’s end, the pinky edge of the hand was always blue but I had great penmanship.

Teaching a child that their right hand is the one they eat with has to this day got me confusing right and left. Don’t ask me for directions or a handshake!

Ironing leaves more wrinkles as the cord gathers up the fabric. Dialing on a rotary phone was so awkward. Learning to drive was a double nuisance. Cars are designed for right hands and feet!

A sewing machine is a right hand and foot ordeal. All coin slots and ATMs are right-handed designed. Ergonomic scissors are not for southpaws. Neither is a gravy ladle or measuring cup.

Circular saws and pull-start gas engines are the hardest on lefties. The safety switches on power tools are always on the wrong side.

Factory work is out of the question. All machinery is right-handed in nature. Lefties are a safety hazard. Even waitressing is challenging. The handle of the coffee pot and serving spoons must be left facing right.

Doors and handles are challenging. We like to walk through the wrong side of double doors. Lefties are more prone to actually injuring ourselves by walking into difficult doors.

Confused yet? Remember that we left-handers are in our right mind.

About Author:

Irene Nevins, irenen1, writes online articles for several venues on a variety of topics including her tips blog, Online Article Writing For Profit.  If you like the information you just read, please share with your Twitter, StumbleUpon, and Facebook friends. Join Triond and earn by writing, too. Triond will allow you to incorporate your Google AdSense account.