SINISTRA AND THE HISTORICAL BIAS AGAINST LEFT-HANDEDNESS - 🙏

Report by Duncan Williams @NewsAdvertiser

Last Sunday (13th August) marked International Left-Handers Day, a day that might have easily gone unnoticed for most but held significance for those in the left-handed community.

Some church sermons briefly mentioned this celebration.

However, what was particularly striking over the weekend were some recollections appearing on social media message boards - where grown adults reflected on the stigma of their school days.

Unfortunately, these memories were often associated with Christian educational institutions, where being a minority left-handed pupil resulted in repeated shame, humiliation, and all too frequently, punishments.

Righteousness, the right path, to do the right thing... It's easy to see how words can be used to galvanise and steer a belief. As easy, in fact, as black and white.

So, what led to the historical perspective that left-handedness was once considered wrong? Why did Christian religions show favouritism towards right-handedness?

In ancient societies, the right hand was synonymous with strength, while the left hand was regarded as weaker and less capable.

This perception was rooted in the dominance of right-handed individuals, leading to the erroneous assumption that left-handedness signified difference or even inferiority.

Ancient beliefs and religious symbolism further exacerbated the bias against left-handedness. The Latin word "sinistra," meaning "left," gave birth to the term "sinister," now synonymous with malevolence. Across cultures, the right side embodied righteousness and blessings, while the left was associated with superstitions and negativity.

Within the context of Christian religions, the preference for right-handedness gained prominence. The Bible often depicted the right hand as a symbol of divine favour, strength, and authority. This portrayal reinforced the notion that the right side held inherent virtues.

This bias permeated societal norms and educational systems. Left-handed individuals were coerced to adapt to right-handed practices, fostering feelings of alienation and potential psychological repercussions.

Conventional classroom arrangements favoured right-handed students, leaving their left-handed counterparts grappling with chalkboards, desks, and tools designed for right-handed use.

Scientific misconceptions also played a pivotal role in perpetuating this stigma. The concept of brain lateralisation, the specialisation of brain hemispheres, was widely misunderstood. Incorrectly, left-handedness was linked to a less developed or malfunctioning brain, solidifying the notion that being left-handed was "wrong."

The term "sinistra" acts as a poignant reminder of the deep-seated bias against left-handedness in historical and linguistic contexts. 

While society has made strides, efforts to disband these stigmas are ongoing. Advances in genetics and brain research have dismantled numerous misconceptions, acknowledging left-handedness as a natural variation.

With the rise of advocacy groups and awareness campaigns, the negative perceptions surrounding left-handedness have begun to dissipate. 

It's essential to acknowledge that the historical preference for right-handedness was rooted in the complex interplay of cultural, religious, and scientific factors. 

By embracing diversity and dismantling myths, we pave the way for an inclusive and understanding society that celebrates the uniqueness of every individual, irrespective of their handedness.

Publisher liable for money owed to journalists still plans to reopen weeklies

Report by David Sharman for HoldTheFrontPage

A publisher at the centre of a row over a series of local newspapers which ceased publication in January has reiterated his determination to reopen them over time.

Duncan Williams, left, bought the View From titles, which cover areas of Dorset, Devon and Somerset, in January following their closure by previous owner, Sunday Independent publisher Peter Masters.

A court has since ruled Mr Williams is liable for money owed to a group of 28 former View From employees who were made redundant when the titles ceased publication.

But he has restated his intention to appeal the decision and says he is still working to get the eight View From titles as well as Axminster-based Pulman’s Weekly News reopened, although he accepts this will not happen in one go.

As part of the relaunch plan, he has set up a video news channel entitled View News which also aims to offer a PR service to local businesses, converting press releases into videos which would then be carried on the newspapers’ social media channels and websites.

The View From titles served towns and villages including Beaminster, Bridport, Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Seaton, Honiton and South Somerset, while Pulman’s Weekly News covered Axminster.

Said Duncan: “The titles will all be brought back incrementally. As they have been traditionally free, budgets need to be securely in place first off before relaunching the entire portfolio in one fell swoop.

“Revenues from video advertising and social media are designed to enable this.”

Duncan added: “Despite the recent controversy surrounding their acquisition, I remain very happy indeed with the Pulman’s Weekly News brand.

“Their founder George Pulman was an influential Christian publisher of the Victorian era whose vision I much admire and whose community values are certainly part of what makes local media so vital to regions.

“Likewise, I remain delighted with the View News series, which I know have suffered from sharply declining advertising revenues, repeat closures, rumpuses and relaunches. However, the technology upgrades I have personally invested in are hoping to remedy this.

“To be clear to all of my investors, banks and advertising agencies: I have no intention whatsoever of going bankrupt. The employment tribunal decision will be appealed.”