CTV News identified left-handedness as a trait possessed by about 10% of people [1] during a Monday broadcast.
The segment highlights how a biological characteristic can be influenced by cultural perceptions, specifically regarding the historical suppression of the trait.
The information was shared across CTV’s Your Morning Edmonton and Your Morning Saskatchewan programs as part of a "Morning Mystery" feature. According to the broadcast, this specific characteristic is found in approximately 10% of the population [1].
While the trait is a natural occurrence, the reporting noted that it has not always been accepted globally. The anchors said social pressures have historically shaped the way people use their hands, often forcing left-handed individuals to adapt to right-handed standards.
"Many Asian countries work to force this trait out due to associations of bad luck," a CTV News anchor said.
This cultural push to eliminate left-handedness stems from long-standing beliefs that the trait is unlucky. Such associations have led to efforts in various regions to discourage or actively suppress the use of the left hand in daily activities.
The broadcast served as a reminder of the prevalence of the trait and the varied ways different societies have responded to it over time. The anchors said "this is a characteristic of about 10 per cent of people" [1], framing the discussion around both statistics and social history.
“"This is a characteristic of about 10 per cent of people."”
The intersection of biological traits and cultural norms often results in social stigmatization. By highlighting the historical suppression of left-handedness in certain Asian cultures, the report illustrates how superstitious beliefs can influence behavioral norms and lead to the forced modification of natural human characteristics.
