TOW #21 - Why am I Right-Handed?

Are you right handed at least?  I got this question at least 25 times throughout my time wearing a sling because of my broken collarbone, and each time I put on a face of appreciation and relief as I replied “Yes, at least I’m right handed so I can still write.”  About 90% of the population is right handed, an overwhelming majority.  Simple logic, and what we are taught growing up, is that the reason is “genetics,” and we tend to leave it at that, failing to further question what “genetics” means.  In her article “Why am I Right-Handed?” Maggie Koerth-Baker writes about the much more complicated nature of the question of dexterity.  She utilizes expert authority and an interesting concept to achieve her purpose of informing the public about the interesting idea of what makes someone right-handed.

Baker, a writer and statistician, does not have the authority to speak directly about the genes and biological expertise needed to tackle this issue.  So, as a good writer always does, she finds experts and quotes them to create a strong argument.  Baker quotes Chris McManus, a scientist who was one of the first to publish the dextral/chance model.  She also gets John Armour’s opinions, who is a professor of human genetics at the University of Nottingham in the U.K.  She then has these two scientists, who have conflicting views on the controversial subject, go back and forth and create a mock debate, in a sense.  This establishes the credibility of her throughout the article.

Baker also uses a interesting concept to sell this article to potential readers.  She markets it as a new series that answers hard science questions asked by toddlers.  She says, “Sometimes, their little brains can lead to big places adults forget to explore.”  This cool idea creates what may sometimes be dry topics into something exciting, fun, and new for readers.