International Left Handers Day: Celebrating Uniqueness In A Right Handed World
By Queen Anigbogu
Today marks International Left Handers Day, observed every August 13 to celebrate left handed people and raise awareness about the challenges they face in a predominantly right handed world.
Left handedness accounts for about 10 percent of the world’s population, with left handers often having to use tools and systems designed mainly for right handed people.
Speaking to ABS, a pharmacist, Miss Afoma Obiejesi, recalled how some of her teachers tried to force her to write with her right hand and the difficulties she experienced using scissors and some kitchen utensils, urging people to accept and support left handed individuals because it is a natural trait.
A 14 year old left handed student, Master Bethel Chibundo, said being left handed makes him feel unique, creative and faster, noting that he is also among the top students in his class, while Miss Adaolisa Chibundo described left handedness as normal and without disadvantage.
However, a businessman, Mr. Uchenna Ani, noted that left handed people sometimes face cultural challenges, particularly in Igbo society where using the left hand to give or receive items from elders is traditionally frowned upon, but for left handers around the world, the day remains an opportunity to celebrate their uniqueness and remind society that there is nothing wrong with being left handed.
