 | ||
|
| |    Famous Left-handers by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. There was a time, not too long ago, when left-handed children felt actively oppressed--and they were right! Teachers whacked their hands, other children teased them, and they were made to feel that their handedness was a reflection of flawed character. This unfair treatment of lefties was--and still is--a worldwide phenomenon. In many parts of the world, the left hand is considered "unclean," and left-handedness is simply not tolerated; the word for "left" often has strongly negative connotations: in Latin, "sinister"; in French, "gauche" (which means something like "tacky"). The modern English "left" comes from an older English word that meant "weak." So, as you can see, growing up left-handed has been, and can still be, psychologically taxing. From an intellectual point of view, it is easy to tell a child that there is no connection between left-handedness and character, intelligence, or anything else of real importance. Many left-handed people are exceptionally bright and creative, intuitive, and visually oriented, but so are many right-handed people. For any child, what really matters, of course, is his or her own unique blend of strengths and challenges. All of this sounds fine, but it probably isn't all that terrifically reassuring to a child (or an adult, for that matter) who sees being left-handed as a cruel trick of fate. On the other hand, knowing that quite a number of famous, brilliant, talented people--both living and historical--are left-handed sometimes does the trick. So, in the spirit of giving a boost to left-handers everywhere who may need cheering up, here is a list of famous lefties. Legendary Figures: Albert Einstein, Beethoven, Benjamin Franklin, Joan of Arc, Julius Caesar, Leonardo da Vinci, Mark Twain, Michelangelo, Napoleon, Pablo Picasso, Queen Victoria Actors and Comedic Talents: Anthony Perkins, Bruce Willis, Carol Burnett, Cary Grant, Christian Slater, Dan Aykroyd, Danny Kaye, David Letterman, David Spade, Demi Moore, Dennis Quaid, Diane Keaton, Dick Smothers, Dick Van Dyke, Don Rickles, Emma Thompson, Fran Drescher, Fred Astaire, Goldie Hawn, Harpo Marx, Henry Ford, Howie Mandel, Jason Alexander, Jason Bateman, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Carrey, Jim Henson, Joe Piscopo, Julia Roberts, Keanu Reeves, Kim Basinger, Lisa Kudrow, Luke Perry, Marcel Marceau, Marilyn Monroe, Mary-Kate Olsen, Matthew Broderick, Michael Landon, Michael Richards, Montel Williams, Morgan Freeman, Nicole Kidman, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert DeNiro, Sarah Jessica Parker, Scott Wolf, Sid Caesar, Telly Savalas, Tim Allen, Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Whoopi Goldberg Astronaut: Buzz Aldrin Musicians: Annie Lennox, Celine Dion, George Michael, Jimi Hendrix, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Seal, Sting Athletes:
And...Kermit the Frog More information:
| |  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| About Us |
Contact Us |
Our Partners Privacy Policy | Ethics | Advertising Policy | Terms of Service © Copyright 2004 The Dr. Spock Company. All Rights Reserved. THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com
provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care
professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement
of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee,
or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full
Terms of Service. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
