Artigenda
International Lefthanders Day
When: Annually, August 13.
International Lefthanders Day is an annual day on August 13. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique challenges and benefits of left-handedness. In addition, the day is there to honour all individuals who are “left-handed.”
Origin
De dag is ook wel bekend als de Internationale Dag van de Linkshandigen, naar een logischere vertaling van het Engelse International Lefthanders Day. De dag bestaat sinds 13 augustus 1976 en was een initiatief van Dean R. Campbell. Hij was ook verantwoordelijk voor het oprichten van de Amerikaanse vereniging voor linkshandige personen. Het was zijn intentie om een dag in het leven te roepen om aandacht te vragen voor de ongemakken waarmee linkshandigen te maken krijgen in een wereld die ingericht is op rechtshandigen. Daarbij maakte het volgens hem niet uit of dit kleine- of grote ongemakken waren.
The importance of this day
Besides the original idea, on this day there is also other awareness that comes into play. Take history. Left-handedness was not always accepted throughout history. It was not allowed, seen as strange, weird or even something bad. Society condemned it, including certain religious movements.
Designed for right-handers
Still, the world is mainly geared to right-handed people. Think about utensils. There are alternatives. These are sometimes not available or not readily available. If they are, you may be charged extra for them. Think of examples like a can opener, pencil sharpener or scissors.
Left-handedness advantages
Is it all misery then? Not, because left-handedness also has advantages. Although it has not been scientifically proven, left-handed people could be more creative and smarter. Left-handed people are often said to look for solutions from a young age, which can help develop inventiveness. In addition, left-handers have an advantage in many sports. Think of badminton, tennis and water polo. Just to name a few examples.
"Normal"
Above all, let’s say goodbye to the idiotic notion that left-handed people live shorter lives. That is not the case. That myth is utter nonsense. The alleged relationship with dyslexia is also nonsense. What has been proven? Left-handed people are just as “normal” as any other person. So that’s not “normal at all,” because no person is. In any case, the default is not right-handedness.
Left-handedness and sexual orientation
What is certainly not normal is the way language is adapted to left- and right-handedness. Where left-handedness would be an abnormality. Which is therefore not the case. Think of “Leaving something left-handed.” It is when you ignore something. More damaging is when you talk about the “Wrong side. “A reference to the left or left side, in which left-handedness plays a role. This is a reference to homosexuality. Where there is a “right” and “wrong” side. The “right” side is heterosexuality, and the “wrong” side is homosexuality. Left-handedness would thus be related to sexual orientation.
There is no scientific basis for a relationship between left- or right-handedness and sexual orientation. Besides, this does show that, based on harmful theories, left-handed people have always faced and still face a lot of prejudice. A day like today is therefore a necessity.
