Left hand bias?
Jul 3rd 2018, 11:34 am
#1
Resident Cynic
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Suffolk,UK; Alentejo, Portugal
Posts: 14,952
Left hand bias?
I know there are cultural/religious foundations for a bias against left-handedness in some parts of the world - but has anyone else come across this in Portugal?
I am naturally right-handed, but a serious accident many years ago left me with a right arm broken in several places and needing a titanium plate to pull it all together. During that time, I was more or less forced to go left-handed for a couple of months and then again after an operation to remove the plate. So, I don't feel comfortable writing with my left hand, but I'm happy to use tools that way if it makes sense. That's the background.
So, over the course of my long marriage, I have gotten use to SWMBO getting quite agitated if I use my left hand to pick up something, etc. - usually with the charming comment "You can't do that properly with your right hand, much less your left!"
I have also had similar comments from other Portuguese over the years. Then, the other day when discussing driving in the UK with a Portuguese friend, he said "But changing gears with your left hand? That's crazy - why would you do that?!!"
So, my question is, have you noticed a bias against left-handedness in Portugal? ..... or is it me just being cack-handed in general
I am naturally right-handed, but a serious accident many years ago left me with a right arm broken in several places and needing a titanium plate to pull it all together. During that time, I was more or less forced to go left-handed for a couple of months and then again after an operation to remove the plate. So, I don't feel comfortable writing with my left hand, but I'm happy to use tools that way if it makes sense. That's the background.
So, over the course of my long marriage, I have gotten use to SWMBO getting quite agitated if I use my left hand to pick up something, etc. - usually with the charming comment "You can't do that properly with your right hand, much less your left!"
I have also had similar comments from other Portuguese over the years. Then, the other day when discussing driving in the UK with a Portuguese friend, he said "But changing gears with your left hand? That's crazy - why would you do that?!!"So, my question is, have you noticed a bias against left-handedness in Portugal? ..... or is it me just being cack-handed in general
Jul 3rd 2018, 12:55 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 773
Re: Left hand bias?
My OH is left handed. I can't say we've noticed anything. I'm slightly ambidextrous. I can paint with either hand, I shoot left handed but I can use a bow and arrow left or right handed.
Jul 4th 2018, 6:20 am
#3
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Land of no recession
Posts: 10,718
Jul 4th 2018, 7:03 am
#4
I still dont believe it..
Joined: Oct 2013
Location: 12 degrees north
Posts: 2,777
Re: Left hand bias?
Just answer - well napoleon was left handed, when they say ‘and look what happened to him’ you say ‘so was wellington...’
Jul 4th 2018, 11:21 am
#5
Resident Cynic
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Suffolk,UK; Alentejo, Portugal
Posts: 14,952
Re: Left hand bias?
Jul 9th 2018, 7:16 am
#7
I still dont believe it..
Joined: Oct 2013
Location: 12 degrees north
Posts: 2,777
Re: Left hand bias?
You can add this - when we get onto a plane it’s always by a door on the left. Why is this?
The true answer is because medaeval knights carry their swords on their left hip.
Now find the link 😉
The true answer is because medaeval knights carry their swords on their left hip.
Now find the link 😉
Jul 10th 2018, 7:51 pm
#8
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 6,313
Re: Left hand bias?
AND They needed to keep their sword hand free.Its why the British drive on the left.
Jul 10th 2018, 8:06 pm
#9
I still dont believe it..
Joined: Oct 2013
Location: 12 degrees north
Posts: 2,777
Re: Left hand bias?
Sorry but no banana yet.
That’s not the reason we enter planes on the left, and driving on the left is not related. That is because you keep your opponents on the side where you fight them best if right handed, so walk or drive on the left.
https://www.worldstandards.eu/cars/driving-on-the-left/
