Some are living in a world where most of the hand tools humans use do not work as well. Scissors, notebooks, and desks are all a mystery. Using these items everyday is troubling, but most people are able to use them without difficulty. This is the world that left-handed people live in.

Ten percent of the population face difficulties and struggles as lefties in a right-handed world. This minority group in the population is called more creative and artsy while also being connected to witchcraft and sinister natures. With only making up about ten percent of the population, many influential people throughout history, including George Washington; Napoleon Bonaparte; and Barack Obama, have been lefties.

Scientist’s have not been able to pinpoint exactly what causes left-handedness. Many have debated whether it is a result of genetic factors or brain structure. Although left-handedness does run in families, it isn’t as simple as the passing down of traits such as hair color or height. There is also a theory that handedness is an effect of brain structure. This is why there is a stereotype that lefties are more creative and artsy. The right side of the brain, which controls the left side of the body, is linked to more creative and abstract thinking. Another theory links handedness to prenatal development and processes and the state of the mother during pregnancy. Despite all these varying theories, the science remains unclear and some even feel that it is a random process.

Throughout history, society has had a negative view of the left. During the Spanish Inquisition and witch hunts, women would be declared a witch only because of their dominant left hand. Up until the late 1900s, many schools forced students to only use their right hand. During the Cold War, some even linked it with communism.

“The left hand has long been associated with deviance,” Dictionary.com states. “The word ‘sinister’ originally meant ‘to the left’ in Latin. The word ‘left’ comes from the Old English word lyft, which literally meant ‘weak, foolish.’”

In the contemporary world, lefties aren’t typically burned at the stake, but the world is still evidently catered to righties. Scissors, notebooks, guitars, and desks have all caused discomfort for lefties. Many parents force their left-handed children to use their right hand just to avoid the constant struggle and lack or resources.

“Simple, everyday things like writing on a whiteboard or using a binder are difficult for us [lefties] and are uncomfortable” says junior, Megan Alexander.

The horror found as a lefty walks in his or her SAT testing room only to find that they are stuck taking the three-hour long test in a right-handed desk is not uncommon. These factors don’t majorly prohibit success and happiness within the education system, but they do bring annoyance.  Companies do manufacture products specifically catered to lefties, such as scissors or guitars. However, these items are typically more costly and harder to find than the regular items.

 “I find scissors extremely difficult to use,” junior Shehenaz Haque explains. “Writing in general is aggravating because the side of my hand gets covered in pencil marks.”

Although lefties are clearly not the most discriminated minority and society has been more welcoming towards them, they still face problems resulting from their dominant hand.