INNYOUU Now the world is in your hands…
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The next few seconds were a blur of outrage and action. Before I could even marvel at the coin’s glimmer, my mother’s face contorted in disbelief. Then came the scolding aloud, passionate outburst punctuated by my full government name. And just to make sure the lesson sank in, she followed it up with the test of resounding knocks on my head, each one carrying the unspoken message: “Don’t you dare use your left hand for this again.”
At that moment, her outrage needed no soothsayer to interpret. I had committed the highest crime of the day an offense so egregious it ranked above failing to do my chores or sneaking an extra piece of meat from the pot. My crime? Receiving something with my left hand.
The Weight of the Left Hand
Growing up in a place like Navy Town, surrounded by the military precision of life and the vibrant chaos of Lagos, one learns quickly that traditions carry immense weight. The left hand, as I soon discovered, was not just a hand; it was a symbol. In Nigerian culture, it represented something improper, almost taboo. To use it in interactions, especially with elders, was seen as a sign of disrespect, carelessness, and disregard for authority.
My mother’s reaction wasn’t unique. It was a reflection of a broader cultural sentiment shared across the country. The left hand was for “less noble” tasks, and its use in formal or respectful exchanges was simply unacceptable. Receiving or giving with it was akin to throwing an insult, a subtle yet stinging way of saying, “You don’t matter enough for me to use my proper hand.”
For a child, this lesson came with a mix of confusion and resignation. I didn’t understand why my left hand, which felt as much a part of me as my right, was treated like an outcast. But I quickly learned that challenging cultural norms was a battle no child could win, especially not under the stern watch of a Nigerian mother.
A Universal Rule with Local Variations
The taboo surrounding the left hand isn’t unique to Nigeria; it’s a sentiment echoed in many cultures across the globe. In parts of the Middle East, South Asia, and other African countries, the left hand is often associated with impurity. Historically, it was reserved for tasks considered unclean, such as personal hygiene. This practical distinction gradually evolved into a cultural one, with the right hand taking on the role of respect and propriety.
In Nigeria, this belief found fertile ground in a society deeply rooted in hierarchy, respect, and communal values. The act of giving or receiving with the right hand became a symbolic gesture, a way of showing deference and upholding social harmony. To use the left hand was to flout these values, even if unintentionally.
The Struggles of a Left-Handed Child
For left-handed children, this cultural norm can feel like an ongoing battle against their very nature. Imagine being naturally inclined to use your left hand, only to be told repeatedly that it’s wrong. The simple act of picking up a spoon, writing your name, or handing over a book becomes a minefield of potential reprimands.
Parents, in their bid to “correct” their left-handed children, often resort to creative methods. Some insist on tying the child’s left hand behind their back, forcing them to use their right. Others dole out punishment for every instance of “disobedience.” While the intention may be to help the child adapt to societal expectations, the result is often frustration, confusion, and, in some cases, a loss of confidence.
I recall a naturally left-handed childhood friend. His writing was a marvel of precision, his artistic sketches unmatched. Yet, his parents were relentless in their efforts to make him a right-hander. Over time, his handwriting grew messier, his confidence in his abilities waned, and he often lamented how difficult it was to conform to expectations that felt unnatural to him.
The Paradox of Left-Handed Genius
Here’s where things get interesting. While the left hand itself is stigmatized, left-handed people are often celebrated as prodigies, geniuses, and visionaries. It’s an irony that never ceases to fascinate. Albert Einstein was a left-handed genius, other left-handed genius were Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, and Barack Obama, etc;
In Nigeria, left-handers are seen as unique individuals with a touch of brilliance. From musicians and artists to athletes and thinkers, left-handed people are thought to possess a certain creative spark that sets them apart. Their dominance of the “wrong” hand becomes a badge of honor, a mark of distinction in a world where conformity is the norm.
Science offers some support for this perception. Research suggests that left-handed individuals may have certain cognitive and creative advantages. The brain’s right hemisphere, which controls the left side of the body, is associated with creativity, intuition, and spatial awareness. This may explain why left-handers often excel in fields that require out-of-the-box thinking.
In sports, left-handedness is often an advantage. In tennis, for example, left-handers are known for their ability to throw opponents off with their unconventional angles. In football, left-footed players are prized for their unique style of play. Nigeria, a nation passionate about sports, has no shortage of left-handed and left-footed stars who have dazzled audiences and brought glory to the country.
Challenging the Norms
As we navigate the complexities of left-handedness in Nigerian culture, it’s worth asking: Why does the left hand continue to carry such a heavy burden of stigma? And is it time to let go of these outdated beliefs?
For one, it’s important to recognize that left-handedness is not a choice. It’s a natural variation in human ability, determined by genetics and brain wiring. Stigmatizing it serves no purpose other than to create unnecessary hurdles for those who happen to fall on the “left” side of the spectrum.
Parents and educators play a crucial role in changing the narrative. Instead of trying to “correct” left-handed children, they should encourage them to embrace their natural tendencies. Schools can also make simple adjustments, such as providing left-handed desks and tools, to create a more inclusive environment.
On a societal level, we need to challenge the deep-seated biases that have kept the left hand in a position of inferiority. Respect is not determined by which hand you use; it’s about the intention behind your actions.
The Beauty of Both Hands
As I reflect on my childhood and the lessons I’ve learned about the left hand, I can’t help but marvel at the resilience of left-handed individuals in Nigeria. Despite the challenges they face, they continue to thrive, leaving their mark in every field imaginable.
The left hand, once a source of scolding and shame, can be reimagined as a symbol of diversity, creativity, and strength. It’s time we embrace it for what it truly is a part of our shared humanity, capable of great things when given the freedom to flourish.
So, whether you’re left-handed, right-handed, or somewhere in between, let’s extend a hand of understanding to one another whichever one feels right to you.
I do hope you enjoyed this deep dive, So, drop your reflections on the comment below! I remain Joseph Kabulu, until next time, explore Live’s aspirations for you. Don’t let any hand, left or right set limitations for you!
Cheers!
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