Petition

A Petition of the Left Hand by Benjamin Franklin, 1779
Modern translation by Jim Houliston, 2023
(View Benjamin Franklin’s original version here)

Dear School Teachers, Principals, and Superintendents,

Hello to all the friends of young people! Please, show compassion on my sad situation and help me fix the bad treatment I’ve been getting. You see, my twin sister and I get along great, but the problem is with our parents. To their fault and loss, they treat us both very differently. Ever since we were babies, my sister has always been treated better than me. While I was never even sent to school, she graduated with honors. She learned how to write, draw, play music, sports, and more. As for me though, whenever I even try to pick up a pen, throw a ball, shake a hand, or send a text, I get shouted at and told, “No, don’t do that!” I even got beat up for it a few times! When my sister and I hang out, she always insists on doing everything, unless for some strange reason she can’t. Often times, she wants me there just to make her look good.

I promise these complaints don’t come from jealousy, but from something much more serious. You see, my sister and I have to do all the work in taking care of our family. If anything bad happens to her, like a cramp, sprain, break, or arthritis, what would happen to our poor family? Wouldn’t our parents be devastated for treating my twin sister and me so unnecessarily different? I don’t even want to think about it! I couldn’t even write this very letter to you since I was never taught to write!

I beg you, please convince my parents to come to their senses and start treating, educating, and caring for all of us kids equally!

Sincerely,
The Left Hand