Here's to the Lefties! Happy Left Hander's Day!

Today is International Left-Handers Day! First observed in 1976 by Dean R. Campbell, founder of the Lefthanders International Inc. The day was created to celebrate the uniqueness and differences of left-handers as well as to raise awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed in a predominantly right-handed world. My dad and my brother are both left-handed, I have seen the struggles they had to deal with, particularly with writing. My dad writes in capital letters because his writing would be illegible if he were to write normally. On this day, I wanted to investigate the mechanics of a left-handed person, what about their brain is unique and what are the differences seen between left-handed and right-handed people. As well as the historical mistreatment of left-handed people and a highlight of famous lefties.

There are several theories as to the cause of handedness. Most theories focus on the brain’s division of labor is different. Other theories focus on genetics. Two left-handed people have a 26 percent change of having a left-handed child. Twin studies indicate that genetics explain about 25 percent of handedness with environmental factors explain the remaining 75 percent. Most children will show a hand preference by 4 years (48 months) when they are mostly likely to be engaged in writing and coloring activities (Fagard, 2005). The most current theory suggests that handedness is determined by the development of the spine in utero and not the brain (Dodgson, 2019). There are certain correlations between handedness and aspects in life. Such as intelligence. There is only a single point difference between IQ scores of right-handed and left-handed people. However, left-handed brains are structured differently in ways that allow processing of language, spatial relations and emotions in more diverse and creative ways (McManus, 2012). In health factors, left-handedness has been correlated with increased rates of neuropsychiatric and developmental disorders such as the autism spectrum disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and alcoholism.

Unfortunately, for centuries, left-handedness was an undesirable trait. Under the powerful influence of the Catholic Church, left-handed people were vigorously oppressed in medieval Europe. See as consorting with the devil, during the Inquisition and witch hunts, being left-handed was enough evidence for a woman to be labeled as a witch (Right Left). In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, brutal attempts were made to suppress left-handedness. A child’s left hand would be tied behind his back to discourage its use and even corporal punishment, if a child was caught using his or her left hand. I have heard stories of some schools still using this method in the mid-20^th century. The infamous Cesare Lombroso claimed that left-handedness was the mark of pathological behavior, savagery and criminality. It wasn’t until Paul Broca’s research in the 1860s did scientific interest in handedness begin (Right Left). Even today, many of the nicknames or slang for left handers are derogatory in nature. Everyone is familiar with southpaw, in Australia, left handers are referred to as “mollie dookers” which means having fits like a girl. In Belarus, the word for left handers is liewsha which means sneaky or mistrustful. In France, the word is gauche which means awkward or clumsy and in Italy, lefthanders are reference to as mancini or crooked or maimed.

There are been many famous people who were or are left-handed. In the political arena, several presidents have been left-handed including James Garfield, Harry S. Truman, and Ronald Reagan. In music, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and Paul McCartney were all lefties. In baseball, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Ted Williams. Chef Gordon Ramsay is left-handed. Scientist Nikola Tesla was left-handed. It has been suggested the Albert Einstein was left-handed; however, there is no evidence he was. Bill Gates is a southpaw. It has been rumored that the famous Renaissance painter Michelangelo Buonarroti was left-handed. Queen Victoria wrote with her right hand but painted with her left. It is believed that she was forced to write with her right hand by her mother, Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, Duchess of Kent. Queen Victoria’s descendant, Prince William and his son, Prince George are also lefties.

In conclusion, left-handed individuals have a disadvantage with tools and products which are designed for right-handed people. They also have shown to have advantages in music, sports, science and math. They have suffered cruel treatment through the centuries, and it has only been recently that many companies have introduced modified their products for left-handed individuals. Even some of the slang terms for left-handed people show the cruel history and thoughts behind left-handedness. It was interesting to discover the famous individuals who are lefties. Let’s celebrate the lefties in our lives! Celebrate our uniqueness and differences because if we were all the same, life would be pretty boring. Here’s to you, lefties!

References

Dodgson, Lindsay. August 12, 2019. The reason some people are left-handed could have nothing to do with the brain. https://amp.businessinsider.com/why-some-people-are-left-handed-2018-1. Retrieved August 12, 2019.

Fagard, Jacqueline; Lockman, Jeffrey J. (2005). "The effect of task constraints on infants' (bi)manual strategy for grasping and exploring objects". Infant Behavior and Development. 28 (3): 305–315. Retrieved 11 August 2019.

McManus, Chris. April 14, 2012. Is It True That Left-Handed People Are Smarter Than Right-Handed People? Scientific American. Retrieved: 11 August 2019.

Right Left Right Wrong. History of Handedness. https://www.rightleftrightwrong.com/history_recent.html. Retrieved August 11, 2019.

Whatever as slang: the most annoying phrase in conversation

I've come to hate the word whatever. It has become annoying and according to the Marist College polls, the “most annoying [phrase] in conversation.” Whatever has become a slang word meaning “I don’t care about what you just said.” It is used to dismiss a previous statement and express indifference to what someone has said. It is considered rude and impolite to use in conversation. According to Urban Dictionary, whatever is used in an argument to admit that you are wrong without actually admitting it so the argument is over. It is considered an alternative to “f**k you.”

The word whatever when used as slang is a sign of indifference. I’m not talking about when it is used to in terms of “Sure, whatever works for you.” Indicating that whichever plan is agreed upon works. However, whatever has become a word of apathy and very passive-aggressive. It has become a put down and a signal to another person that what is being said is not important. This use of the word is what I hate the most. When it is used to end a heated discussion in which another person isn't going to persuade the other to his or her side of the debate. It’s “fine, whatever” replaces “You’re an idiot and there’s no talking to you.” This is especially annoying when being used by closed-minded people who cannot accept that someone just might have a different opinion.

Whatever can also be used to display skepticism. Skepticism is doubting the truthfulness of a piece of information and that’s not a bad thing. However, when someone uses the phrase, “yeah, whatever” dismisses the information without an effort on his or her part to find the truthfulness or deceitfulness of the information. Whenever I’m giving information that I doubt, I usually reply with “I’ve never heard that and I would have to look into it.” It is a much more pleasant way to dismiss information that you doubt without making the person giving it feel like a fool. There may be truth to their information and dismissing it without consideration is rude. I sometimes also say “Interesting. I’ll have to look into that” to a piece of information that I may doubt. Either phrase gives respect to the person without putting them down.

Lastly, whatever can be used to show exasperation. We’ve all been there especially when talking to a toddler. You’re tired and the discussion is going on for what seems like forever. You just want it to stop so you say, “Fine! Whatever.” It doesn’t indicate that you are fine with the topic or decision but you just want it to end. This has happened many times to me when a topic is brought up and the discussion gets out of control and I often regret that the topic was brought up at all. I suppose because I am the type of person who is usually open to other’s ideas in the formulation of plans, etc. I am truly annoyed when someone else isn’t as open when an idea is presented that is different from his or her own. Simply because they don’t want to do it or they want their plan to be the only plan. It’s the “my way or the highway” mentality.

When whatever is used in a tone of indifference, skepticism or exasperation is annoying. And I know that tone of voice is very important when using whatever. And it makes my blood boil when it is used. The use of whatever, when directed at me, usually leaves me feeling unimportant and unworthy of even having a different opinion or idea and I know that it is not true. I know that whatever, when used as indifference, skepticism, or exasperation, is often done without thinking. Be mindful of the tone of voice used when trying to end a discussion or even dismiss a piece of information which you don’t believe. 

Slang

                First, I want to apologize for the lateness of this post. I meant to post it a couple of days ago and then I got a cold. A cold so bad that I felt dizzy to sit up. But now, I’m feeling better and on to my post. Thanks again for reading!

                Slang. I really, really dislike slang. Words or phrases that I have always been uncomfortable hearing or using. I never know if I’m using it in the right situations or if I’m a part of the group enough to use the slang. Then again some slang just makes someone sound uneducated. Slang is words or phrase that is very informal. Slang has been around for as long as humans had language. When you’re a teenager and you want to be a part of a group, you will being to use the language that your friends are using. I know that I tried to use slang when I was younger and I felt awkward and foolish. I avoid using slang as much as I can. Many times, especially in high school, by the time I heard of a particular slang, it was already passé to use it.  

I recently discovered a new slang phrase. I was waiting in the café for my husband to get off of work when a group of teenagers were sitting next to my table. They were talking and I overheard one young man say “You’re stupid smart if you….” “Stupid smart” got my attention. I thought for a moment that he made a mistake but since his friends weren't making fun of him. When I got home, I looked it up and it means: “someone who tries to sound educated but comes off sounding like they’re trying too hard.” So, it’s someone who is using big words without either knowing the meaning or not truly understanding the meaning and using it in the wrong context. I realize that I find slang useless and annoying.

                The most annoying slang words is “preggers” or “preggo.” It makes me twitch every time I hear it. Apparently, a lot of people find it annoying too. On UrbanDictionary.com, several users comments including descriptions like: “disgustingly annoying” or “should never be used.” I agree. If you are pregnant, just say pregnant. I also find the use of slang for various body parts is equally annoying. Just come out and use the proper term. There is another wrong or embarrassing to use the actual terms. For instance, vagina instead of vajayjay or baby cannon.  I could go on but I think you get the picture.

                Slang has affected our ability to communicate. I know when I was in school, many of classmates were called out by the professors for using slang or Internet jargon in their papers. And I've heard reports of high school English teachers complaining of the same thing. I think if you are going to use slang, please remember your audience. If you are with your friends or online, that’s where it’s appropriate. But on in school work, speaking to your elders, not really appropriate. I know there probably many people who would disagree with me and that’s fine. I dislike slang and I will not teach my daughter to use it. I know that when she becomes a teenager, she will probably use it with her friends but she’ll learn there’s a time and place for slang.