How many people heard way back in grade school, "you need to learn the metric system because it'll be the standard when you grow up". Well in the states it isn't. Why do we insist on keeping an archaic arbitrary system? All of the sciences use the metric system, most of the rest of the world uses the metric system. What's our problem?
2007-03-23 23:52:44 · 8 answers · asked by hot carl sagan: ninja for hire 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
I care that's who
2007-03-24 00:00:05 · update #1
"What's wrong with the rest of the world" You make an interesting point but the problem is not with the rest of the world. They're smart enough to adopt a measurement system that makes more intuitive sense.
2007-03-24 00:03:16 · update #2
It's the cost of converting. Billions of surveys, property descriptions, and other legal documents use feet, chains, rods, and other units of measurement.
Converting completely to the metric system is a logistical problem that will take a long time and a lot of money to complete.
It will require massive retooling of numerous large industries and would immediately make many existing machines obsolete.
If we had a lot less infrastructure, it would be easier. Be patient, it is happeing slowly.
2007-03-24 00:25:55 · answer #1 · answered by danny_boy_jones 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In applications that matter the most (science, engineering), the US has converted to the metric system. The day to day application of the Enlish system is traditional and admittedly anachronistic. I think the metric system will be adopted eventuallly, perhaps by the more enlightened next generation or two.
2007-03-24 00:11:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
back in the early 80's the US did convert to the metric system but there were too many problems with the KMH and the MPH on the highways. We had double the accidents, and many people weren't ready for it. However if you look at the labes on food pakages you will see the US amound and the Metric amount.
2007-03-24 00:23:13 · answer #3 · answered by davidaronis2000 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
People are used to it, comfortable with it, and like it.
Even where metric is the "law of the land" it's not universal. In GB, they still speak of pints and miles.
The metric system is good to know, but you're going to come off as an elitist snob if you insist everyone else use it.
2007-03-24 00:03:21 · answer #4 · answered by dBalcer 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What is the problem with the rest of the world?
2007-03-24 00:00:13 · answer #5 · answered by zaphodsclone 7 · 0⤊ 5⤋
the U.S.A's giant ego and belief that it is the greatest country in the world.
2007-03-23 23:57:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
us citizens cant understand it because evolution isnt real
2007-03-24 03:51:19 · answer #7 · answered by its not gay if... 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
who cares?????
2007-03-23 23:57:40 · answer #8 · answered by David S 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋