International Left-Handers Day
13th August
‘the beauty and nobility, the august mission and destiny, of human handwriting.’
Pygmalion, George Bernard Shaw
I am not ‘kaggy-fisted,’ ‘cack-handed,’ a devil child, and my fist does not drag behind as I write. Yet, the ‘curse’ and ‘inconvenience’ of being left-handed has left its mark.
From a very young age, my ‘defective’ use of my left hand became an excuse for bullies; my parents, siblings and those around me. I was told to use the ‘correct’ hand by most adults. As I was raised in a strict Christian home; a minister would often visit and note my ‘devil hand.’ He reminded me how the ‘right hand’ of God would not welcome me if I continued to use the devil’s tool. I soon perfected my right hand for most chores and viisble acts. There was a sigh of relief from adults around me.
My family and primary school teachers questioned my writing, I was sent home with a red cross through my homework. My writing ‘did not match that of a child’s.’ The minister’s warning had been leaked. But, unlike the educational laissez faire we have today, a few teachers began to believe in my creativity. I was awarded writing, handwriting and art prizes. Some teachers allowed me to come in during break times to help them with art projects or to just sit and draw or write. Unfortunately, the positivity didn’t extend beyond school as any accolade granted was promptly discarded by family members. You can have all that is tangible removed, but your mind can retain more than you need let on.
‘When you give … do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.’
Jesus, Matthew 6:3 (The New Testament of the Bible)
Sometimes, repression can be reversed and the power of books can be adapted. Sometimes the truth is best left unspoken and in reserve.
The stigma of being different shouldn’t restrict us from being true to ourselves. Yes, you can learn to use a pair of scissors or a potato peeler made for right-handed people. But some of the greatest musicians, artists, writers sports professionals and scientists were and are left-handed. The left-handed inventors of the typewriter and QWERTY keyboard and most of the designers of the Apple Mac have all influenced our creative and practical capabilities. Strangely and perhaps rather tragically, we have lost our grip on tangible writing and creativity. Holding a real pen or pencil seems rather archaic to many. More and more children and adults are unable to hold a pencil or pen correctly. Snappy or froggy finger hold has become more of a fist clenched in haste for all handed writers. Along with the cloning ‘cursive writing’ insistence in schools and the digital overhaul in the world; the sight of a hand writing has become almost obsolete.
Binary oppositions will always divide our thinking and ability to see equality. As there is darkness and light, so exists the paradigm that right is right. Politics and diversity are still colliding over this assumption. Religion, ritual and regimental standards cannot divide or decide how anatomically or physiologically apt we are, or can be. We all have the right to use what’s left.
