And now for something brought on by sleep deprivation and moral outrage

[thraesja]

Studies have shown that in this modern era, somewhere between 7 to 10% of people are left-handed, more commonly males than females. While many theories abound as to the cause of left-handedness, one thing cannot be argued: the condition is not normal. If it were normal, 90-93% of people would be left-handed.

Comments

[aurora_novarum]

I am a righthanded child born of two lefthanded parents. Trufax. (no really. I'm not being metaphorical, although...heh to that).

[thraesja]

Yeah. There's a gene that was recently identified (LRRTM1) that seems to increase the likelihood of being left-handed if it's passed on paternally. There are also a bunch of other factors, so yeah, one of those things where there's a genetic link but lefties can have rightie children and vice versa. Much like another 'lifestyle' I may or may not have implied. :)

[amaranthtraces]

I couldn't disagree more. Left-handed people make fabulous contributions to society. The existence of lefties opens new markets as inventors develop new and innovative technology to cater to the specific needs of left-handed people. Entire stores have been opened that exclusively sell left-handed paraphernalia. That's right, left-handed people stimulate innovation and economic growth.

I'd like to recommend some reading: Right Hand, Left Hand might help illuminate you as to the error of your ways. In that book, you will find evidence from studies indicating that the brains of lefties are physically different than those of righties. A physical difference. How can that not be attributed to God's Own Handiwork

[thraesja]

Handedness is natural, it's not a choice. Left-handed people have to face bigotry and cynicism every day of their lives. Don't you think that if they had the choice, they'd choose the route that leads to an easier lifestyle, unfettered by daily bigotry? There's even evidence that the right-handed world is trying to eliminate the lefties by flooding the market with right-handed implements that can cause serious injury or even death to left-handed persons!

You're my hero.

Wil Wheaton? You have the oppurtunity to make a list of the most famous lefties in history, and you choose Wil Wheaton?

I didn't know about McCain and Obama. Damn.

[amaranthtraces]

You're my hero.

That much was already obvious, darling.

Wil Wheaton? You have the oppurtunity to make a list of the most famous lefties in history, and you choose Wil Wheaton?

I was reading his Twitter page last night (started at Dr. Horrible, bounced to Felicia Day's, then ended up at Wheaton's). I stuck him in there as a test to see if you'd notice. Good job. You passed. Also, you made me snort out loud. Gold star.

[thraesja]

you know, left-handedness here sounds like how homosexuality used to be, and still is described and perceived

Um, yeah, imagine that...

Oh dear. Just looked up what Proposition 8 act. is.

There you go. :) Apparently in California, if you have a petition with enough signatures, you can get a proposition on the ballot. I'm hopeful that such a blue and liberal state will continue to be blue and liberal and vote it down.

I'm frankly very happy to live in one of six countries in the world which has nationally legalized same-sex marriage. While homosexuality is not actually listed in our constitution, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that it is implicitly included and therefore discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.

And yep. I'm watching the election too.

[thraesja]

That should be interesting seeing as they have a Republican Governor...

They have a movie star for a governor. He just happens to be a Republican. He's pretty liberal for one, too.

Yep, I'm happy to live in another one of those six countries.

Technically, the UK only has 'civil partnerships' and thus isn't one of the six. Semantics, I know. But it's easier to pass civil unions than it is to pass gay marriage, even if the rights, responsibilities and benefits are identical. Another of those human foibles I find ridiculous.

I didn't ask 'cos I figured that you'd be getting as much sleep as possible... but then (read: now) I realised that there's that darn five hour time difference between here and there *points vaguely north-west*.

Yeah, even with the time difference, I should already be in bed. I'm going to watch the next batch of poll closures, and then I'm heading off to sleep.