Why were left-handers discriminated against?

Left-handers represent between 10 and 15% of the population. They are born with this predisposition, of largely genetic origin.

Especially from the 19th century and the gradual generalization of primary education, they were victims of real discrimination. There is no question of letting them use their left hand to write.

Some masters go so far as to tie it behind their back to prevent them from using it. Others do not hesitate to hit them. They all have the same goal: to force them to write with their right hand.

It was not until the 1960s that these coercive practices were abandoned. From then on, schoolchildren are allowed to use their left hand. It is true that, for them, writing is a more difficult task.

It seems in fact that Western writing, which forces left-handed people to write from left to right, is not made for them. They struggles more on their paper and doesn't even see what they are writing.

Why such ostracism towards left-handers ?

But why such ostracism towards left-handers? It comes from the fact that, in a Manichean conception of the world, the left is opposed to the right. And, in this fight, it is not it who has the best role.

Indeed, the right has always been considered the good side of things. It's the best seat next to the guest of honor. At the end of the Last Judgment, the elect will take their place on the right hand of God, and the reprobate on the left, where Hell awaits them.

This is why, in everyday life, the right hand can only be required for noble gestures. It is with it that one holds one's fork, the knife, held in the left hand, being confined to a more menial task.

As for the left hand, it is the "bad hand", which can only be used for trivial tasks, such as blowing your nose. It is therefore not surprising, in these conditions, that the action of writing, a noble task if ever there was one, was long reserved for the right hand.