Lefties

[nosox]

yes, I'm one.
Yesterday we went to a newer eatery where they had a big sign to remind folks they shouldn't eat with their left hand because that's what the devil does hahaha
If we continue to eat there, which we probably will because it was pretty tasty, I may have to compose a response in case i am ever challenged about it..... suggestions welcome

 

[Asun]

I assume if you're using utensils then you're not using your hand, so you're good.

 

[Puspawarna]

"I'm not imitating the devil ... I *AM* the devil."

One does wonder what would happen next.

 

[steveandpenny]

Quick question ..Do you have horns and do you try to hide your tail?

 

[harryopal1]

If you are accused again of being a "Leftie" you could respond, "Nonsense. I voted for Donald Trump."

 

[waarmstrong]

I presume the sign was in Bahasa Indonesian; simply continue playing the clueless bule role. Comes natural for me. (If in English, tell them you are from Australia.)

 

[nosox]

My tail is kept hidden but as I don't wear a hat my horns poke out a bit. It's one of those places where you must ask for utensils or as I do use the spoon in the kangkung dish

 

[Vicissidude]

I agree with Asun above, if you're using utensils, you're fine. I use my left all the time. Often with Indonesian food there is a spoon and fork so you use both hands anyway. The problem arises when eating with your hands. I'll mainly use my right in that situation, but still need the assistance of the left at times to get all the ayam lol..

Honestly, I worry much less about this and other things after being here for a while. The left hand thing is stupid. I was taught the reason is because the left hand is dirty from wiping your ass. But the way I see it, if you washed your hands, problem solved. If you didn't, I don't wanna touch either of those disgusting hands.

I teach in a religious private school and at first my southpaw-ism made quite the scene. Students in several classes asked me, "Mister, why do you use your left hand?" I always responded, "I'm left handed because God made me that way." Never heard any complaints after that!

 

[atlantis]

"I'm left handed because God made me that way." Never heard any complaints after that!

Perhaps the smartest thing to answer, whatever the religion of the one asking is.

 

[jstar]

Sorry....

http://psycnet.apa.org/record/1991-11914-001

Abstract
Life span studies have shown that the population percentage of left-handers diminishes steadily, so that they are drastically underrepresented in the oldest age groups. Data are reviewed that indicate that this population trend is due to the reduced longevity of left-handers. Some of the elevated risk for sinistrals is apparently due to environmental factors that elevate their accident susceptibility. Further evidence suggests that left-handedness may be a marker for birth stress related neuropathy, developmental delays and irregularities, and deficiencies in the immune system due to the intrauterine hormonal environment. Some statistical and physiological factors that may cause left-handedness to be selectively associated with earlier mortality are also presented.

But hey, in 500 years or so it will be a non-issue.

 

[nosox]

so, I'll be dead soon? haha
I don't remember much about my first day of school, don't remember going, being there or coming home. But, I do remember before I left, my mother telling me "you don't let ANYONE tell you you're not left handed". Apparently when she went to school a teacher had tried to force her to use her right hand. That was ... until my grampa went and had a "chat" with said teacher
Personally never had much issue except one teacher in primary 3 telling me I'd never be able to use scissors

 

[Anglian]

My uncle left handed, lived to a ripe old age 93, but he had a rough time at school, my son left handed, I made a point at the school under no circumstances was he to be forced to use his right hand for writting, they said that wasn’t school policy, like my Uncle they both had a problem in the forces firing a rifle as the bolt action is for right handed people
Just to add both were very good artists

 

[Banana72]

Just tell 'em "Saya cebok pakai tangan kanan".

 

[jstar]

I remember the nuns in the catholic school hit the hands of the kids with a ruler if they wanted to write with left.

Forcing this seems to be rather bad, psychologically speaking blah blah bla, but my ex girlfriend was very happy afterwards that she did write with her right hand since with left they smear out the fresh ink and yes, quite some tools are not useable. But nowadays with keyboards and touch screens? I think my signature is the only manual writing I do nowadays.

 

[Anglian]

You went to catholic school , so did I those nuns were cruel bastards, I told one she wouldn’t go to heaven as she was hitting a girl, so she hit me as well