PhotoDude.com

Wed. Aug 13, 2003

A Day for 11 Percent of America

A Day for 11 Percent of America – “Before we go any further on this Left-Handers Day, established in 1986 by a British couple to honor left-handers, let’s acknowledge that being left-handed is not all backward test papers, wrong-handed scissors and strife.”

“Researchers have known for years that left-handed people are more likely to use the right side of their brain, while righties use more of the left side. Typically, left-handed people are seen to be more creative—more likely to notice the size, shape, and form of things, to more quickly see the whole picture or concept. The left-brain-dominant type, usually righties, tends to be more analytical and notice details.”

“Lefties are more likely to be Mensa members and musicians, according to William Hopkins, a researcher at Emory University’s Yerkes Primate Center and a professor of developmental psychology at Berry College in Rome who has studied left-handedness for more than two decades.”

“Another researcher, Stanley Coren, a psychologist at the University of British Columbia, claims left-handers exhibit lower life expectancy of nine years and higher risk of injury. Much of it is due to occupational hazards—using tools and equipment designed for right-handers.”

“ ‘I’m amazed that the insurance companies haven’t figured it out and made left-handed people pay a premium for being left-handed,’ said Gene D’Angelo, who runs the Buckhead Gardner Company.”

Oh, we pay a premium for it every day, pal, without the likes of you giving ideas to the insurance industry.