Disclaimer: This assignment was prepared for the Public Relations Program at Conestoga College. It is not intended to represent the views of the College, PR program or faculty.

Right Isn’t Wrong, but Left Could Be Better
Study shows that being left-handed can actually come in handy.

The year is 1993; our control group’s age is between 14 – 21. A federally funded study, Survey of Youth, conducts its first interview. We’re trying to find out if being left handed has any impact on one’s career, later on in life. Researchers commit to getting answers, even if it takes decades. Fast forward, the year is 2011. Interviewed by the same researchers, our control group is now aged 32-39. The results are released in a compelling paper, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, proving that being left-handed can have a few inbred perks.

Really?

With famous left-handed individuals such as Obama, Mark Twain, Fidel Castro, Kurt Cobain and Bart Simpson, it should come as no surprise that the Southpaws in the world are regarded with curiosity. Comprising about 10 percent of the global population, society is intrigued with what differences there are between right and left-handed individuals. What’s with the left-handed brain? Does the hand you write with have an impact on what you do in life? Will it make you more money?

The 18 year study conducted by Christopher Ruebeck, Joseph Harrington, and Robert Moffit drew some interesting conclusions upon its close. For the left-handed men involved, those who completed at least one year of college moved on to make approximately 13% more than their right-handed counterparts. Those who stayed for the full four years of college earned, on average, 21% more. The study found no wage difference between right and left-handed women. Another interesting observation is that Leftie’s are more likely to be found in professional occupations, and are often over-represented among gifted students, artist and musicians.

Years ago, if you wrote with your left hand, you’d run the risk of getting slapped by the teacher. Nowadays, this unique personal trait is accepted and even revered. International Left-Handers Day is to be held on April 6th and Southpaws across the globe will unite in major cities to celebrate.

Considering the results of the survey, maybe they’ll even pick up the tab.