Do You Know - Left-Handed Scissors

Historians have generally agreed that scissor-like tools were first invented by the Egyptians in 1500 B.C. Those scissors were made for right handed people, and it wasn't until 1967 (3,467 years later) that there was a functional option for left handed individuals. Before 1967, manufacturers “made” left handed scissors by simply changing the handles. These ineffective scissors often caused discomfort. Manufacturers ignored the fact that when adapting the scissors the direction of the blades needed to be changed, in addition to the handle. 

Why did it take so long?

Presently, left handed people make up roughly 10% percent of the global population; the largest recorded percentage. In 1860, left handed people accounted for 2% of the population and by 1920, they accounted for 4%. Perhaps, one answer could be that there weren’t enough people that needed left handed tools for manufacturers to justify production.

Dominance dictates 

Think about some of the ways in which our current society is optimized for right handed individuals: oven mitts, can openers, sports equipment, and school desks. The list goes on. Chances are, the majority of the people reading this blog are right handed

If you are an able bodied, right handed individual, how often do you think about being in an unfamiliar kitchen and being able to open a can, or take a pan out of the oven? 

When you were a student, did you worry about how to comfortably use a desk to write your exam? 

Do you worry about bumping elbows with another student when sitting together at a library table? 

Did you have to think about finding sports equipment that you could use properly? 

What is the impact of having to ask these and similar questions, as well as the impact of never having to ask these questions?

The delay in creating comfortable and functional scissors for left-handed individuals, is just one of many examples of how we marginalize and make invisible those who do not share traits with the dominant culture. There are many other situations wherein people who occupy the majority, do not think about the experiences of the minority. 

As diversity practitioners, we must become increasingly aware of these situations. We must always question what is marginalized and what is highlighted. Our increased awareness can embolden us to be change agents. Awareness and understanding are necessary precursors to productive action.