It’s time we talked about the elephant in the room: right arm privilege. We all know it exists, but it’s time to start calling it out for what it is – a systemic advantage that the right-handed among us have over their left-handed counterparts.
Think about it: everything in our society is designed for right-handed people. From scissors and can openers to computer mice and even the layout of our desks, the right arm is always given preferential treatment. And let’s not even get started on the challenges faced by left-handed people when it comes to things like handwriting and using chopsticks.
But it’s not just about everyday tools and gadgets. Right arm privilege extends into the world of sports, too. Baseball, for example, is a game that heavily favors right-handed players. From the way the field is laid out to the mechanics of the swing, everything is designed to give righties an edge. Left-handed players, on the other hand, have to constantly adjust to a world that wasn’t built for them.
And don’t even get me started on gaming. Every time a new console comes out, the buttons are always arranged for the right hand. It’s like game developers don’t even consider the fact that lefties exist! And let’s not forget about the fact that many games require quick reflexes and split-second decision-making, which can be much harder for lefties who are forced to use their non-dominant hand.
But it’s not just lefties who suffer from right arm privilege. Even among right-handed people, there are those who are born with a natural advantage. Those with longer arms or bigger biceps can easily outmuscle their peers, while those with more dexterity and finesse in their right arm can perform complex tasks with ease.
It’s time we started talking about these inequalities and working to level the playing field. For too long, we’ve ignored the fact that our bodies are rigged in favor of one limb, and it’s time to start taking action.
One solution might be to design more products and tools that are ambidextrous or left-handed-friendly. It might cost a bit more, but it would go a long way toward creating a more inclusive society where everyone has the same opportunities to succeed.
Another solution might be to encourage more left-handed people to enter sports and other competitive arenas. By actively seeking out and supporting left-handed athletes, we can start to shift the balance of power away from the righties and level the playing field.
Finally, we need to recognize the inherent privilege that comes with having a dominant right arm. We need to listen to the struggles of our left-handed and ambidextrous friends and colleagues and work to make things easier for them. Whether it’s offering to help them open a jar or adjusting the settings on a computer mouse, every little bit helps.
So, let’s all take a moment to reflect on our own right arm privilege and think about what we can do to create a more just and equitable world for everyone. It’s time we stopped taking our own abilities for granted and started working to make things better for those who don’t have the same advantages. Together, we can build a society that truly values and supports all of its members, regardless of which arm they use to swing a baseball bat.
The Tatty Journal 