The Truth About Left Handers

Why are some people left-handed and some right-handed, and why is there such a stigma? 

Choosing a dominant hand is probably something you never had to consider. It was something that happened when you were younger and has stuck with you ever since. 

While scientists have yet to agree on a concrete meaning, several theories have been formed as to why this difference existed. 

One of the primary theories is that this difference is due to genetics. 

One study showed that kids with left-handed parents were three times more likely to be left-handed. If both parents were left-handed, the chances the child would be left-handed was even higher. 

However, there is the possibility that this is not due to genetic similarities but rather learning factors. The kid might be copying their parents rather than favoring their left hand.  

Genetics, however, doesn’t explain why some people without left-handed parents end up left-handed (ask my older sister). One theory that I believe is essential to understanding left-handedness revolves around the consideration that left-handedness was once more prominent. 

This theory refers to the tool-sharing phenomenon, which examines past traits such as writing styles or the shapes of tools that cater to right-handed individuals. If things were styled to benefit right-handed individuals it would be better for people to be right-handed. 

For example, if your best chance at succeeding in life meant pretending to fit in with the highest level of society, then you would likely adapt your behavior to match. Over time your true traits would slowly slip away until your future generation matched this “best self” entirely. 

The theory above refers to this principle, essentially stating that left-handed people started to use their right hands to fit in and benefit from the things designed for a right-handed world.

While this theory has never been proven, some factors in today’s world would point to its plausibility. Consider the stigmas that left-handed individuals have faced. 

Left-handedness has long been stigmatized, with parents forcing their children to switch hands when learning to write or eat. 

In the 14th Century, left-handedness was considered a sign of witchcraft. This is likely due, in part, to the origin of the word “sinister” which translated to “on the left side.” 

This translation led to left-handed individuals appearing to be siding with the devil. The 18th Century furthers this bias by claiming left-handed individuals had a predisposition towards criminal or violent behavior.

In today’s society, this trait is no longer punishable in court (thank goodness) but is often still passively discouraged by parents or teachers.

What do you think? Do you believe that in a couple of years, left-handedness will disappear? Or do you think we will adapt society to better include people who favor their left hands?

Let me know in the comments below!