If you aren't familiar with metre/meters and so on...

[iguana_tonante]

Saying that there's no excuse for not knowing how to use the metric system is VERY harsh and it's mostly been because of elitist attitudes like this that I've never had much interest in the metric system.

Well, remaining ignorant will surely show them. Beside, how can it be "elitist" when it's used by the vast majority of people?

The bottom line is I don't need and I don't want it.

That's your right. Just as it's everybody else's right to point out how short-sighted and insular that kind of thinking is.

 

[Push The Button]

In my job, I'm forever having to convert inches to millimeters and back again. Some electronic components are based on Imperial units, others are metric, and you always have both types together on the same circuit board. Don't get me started on the rounding errors..

1 inch = 25.40 millimeters, the conversion that I use most frequently.

 

[Mad Mike]

But isn't it about what is best for future generations?

No, it's about whether there is a legitimate excuse for someone to not know and/or use the metric system in the here and now.

Like any change the current generation can have a harder time adapting to the change,...

Some folks don't find change necessary. It doesn't make life any easier, but just because Tom, Dick and Harry do something doesn't mean that John, Mike, and Eddie should have to.

...so sure the Imperial system worked for you but will it work as well for the Millenium generation?

Whether or not it works for the Millennial Generation is beyond the scope of what I was addressing but, in the end, I would imagine that it would depend upon each individuals occupation. Personally, I fully expect that America and the other hold-outs will eventually cave in and go metric. I don't know if it will happen in my lifetime, but at this point I would say that it's inevitable. I just don't believe that there is anything wrong with the fact that are currently people on this planet who don't currently use or understand the metric system.

 

[Tosk]

TNG wasn't so good with metric sometimes...I seem to recall someone referring to Picard as two metres tall.

(And Shinzon too, saying he had hoped to reach two metres.)

 

[Armored Saint]

"Enemy ship is at 20000 kilometers and closing. 15000 kilometers. 10000 kilometers!"

If the enemy ship really spends two seconds crossing mere 5000 kilometers, it's not much of a starship!

You miss the point.

I measure things in kellicams!

I'm Constable Maltz, you were driving at 80 kellicams per hour in a school zone.

We officially use the metric system here, but people continues to talk in feets for their height and in pounds for their weights.

 

[T'Girl]

The US is what one of only 3 countries in the world not to use the metric system?

3 countries. That would depend on whether you mean officially adopted or actual use.

For example, Canada has the metric system as their official measurement system, but Canadian construction workers (houses, office buildings, highrises, etc) employ the imperial system on a everyday basis.

When my brother was in Iraq, despite what was on the official signage, few of the average people he encountered knew what a "kilometre" was.

Brazil official switch to the metric system in 1822, but the old Portuguese customary units are still occasional used.

In India, whether the metric system is used depend on what part of the country you're in.

Your figure of "3 countries" likely is incredibly low.

I have yet to run into any 21st century kids using SI units.

Only if they commonly buy illegal drugs.

 

[Mad Mike]

Saying that there's no excuse for not knowing how to use the metric system is VERY harsh and it's mostly been because of elitist attitudes like this that I've never had much interest in the metric system.

Well, remaining ignorant will surely show them.

Thank you for demonstrating my point. For starters, not using the metric system does not make anyone ignorant in anyway shape or form. Secondly, your rude statement implies that I have something to show to a hypothetical "them." I do not.

Just a suggestion, insulting people who hold different viewpoint than yours is not very likely to convince them that you're position is correct. It only makes you look intolerant and immature.

The bottom line is I don't need and I don't want it.

That's your right. Just as it's everybody else's right to point out how short-sighted and insular that kind of thinking is.

Unjustifiably attacking someone with a different viewpoint isn't short-sighted and insular thinking?

Fascinating.

 

[LMFAOschwarz]

Otherwise, I don't use it. And I see no reason to convert to it. It doesn't make anything "better", weights and lengths are what the are, whether measured in meters or miles (or kellicams ). It's similar to Daylight Savings Time in that it doesn't really give you an hour more of time.

Well, the metric system is "better" in the that it's simpler -- all units are in multiples of ten, whereas the imperial system is all over the map -- 12 inches to the foot, 5,280 feet to the mile, 32 ounces to the quart, whatever.

Or, what Metryq said.

That's right. I was just saying that the weight or size of an object (in whichever system you use) is going to be an odd fractional (or decimal) regardless. Unless measuring a specific amount for trade/economic purposes. If we're going to convert to a system..then just do it. As it is now, all we've gotten is two systems, i.e. NET WT 9 OZ (255 GRAMS)! All I learned from it all is that school lied to us!

And of course Daylight Saving Time doesn't "create" an extra hour -- its purpose is to take advantage of the longer daylight hours during those months.

True, but they always say "We'll lose an hour" or "We'll gain an hour.", which may be just a matter of using imprecise terminology. More misleading stuff for the kids. Oh well, it's easier that, than teach the kids about the tilt of the Earth, and the angle of the sun and whatnot. Most teachers probably don't understand that, anyway.

 

[T'Girl]

Well, remaining ignorant will surely show them.

Hardly ignorant, the American measurement system is well thought and serves our needs nicely.

That's your right. Just as it's everybody else's right to point out how short-sighted and insular that kind of thinking is.

So much better if everyone just blindly conformed.

 

[iguana_tonante]

For starters, not using the metric system does not make anyone ignorant in anyway shape or form.

Of course it does. If you don't know something, you are ignorant about it. But don't fret about that: I am deeply ignorant about the reproductive strategies of horseshoe crabs on coastal Maryland. I might not care about it, but it doesn't change the fact that I'm ignorant about it.

Secondly, your rude statement implies that I have something to show to a hypothetical "them." I do not.

You argued that you reject the metric system "mostly because of elitist attitudes like this". Sounds like you have an axe to grind against someone.

Just a suggestion, insulting people who hold different viewpoint than yours is not very likely to convince them that you're position is correct.

I don't need to convince you. This is not a debate. The metric system is simply superior in any way, and that's the reason it's used all around the world. The only arguments against it are a quaint tradition and a misplaced sense of exceptionalism.

It only makes you look intolerant and immature.

Doesn't mean I'm not right.

Unjustifiably attacking someone with a different viewpoint isn't short-sighted and insular thinking?

No, it's not. It might be rude, or condescending, or even counterproductive, or many other adjectives. But it's certainly not insular, since I am arguing for adopting a global standard. And it's not short-sighted, since using the metric system would actually improve the situation and remove the issue. If anything, it's inclusive and forward-thinking.

 

[scotpens]

I have yet to run into any 21st century kids using SI units.

Only if they commonly buy illegal drugs.

That's how you get Americans to adopt the metric system. Legalize all illegal drugs!

 

[LMFAOschwarz]

If you don't know something, you are ignorant about it. But don't fret about that: I am deeply ignorant about the reproductive strategies of horseshoe crabs on coastal Maryland. I might not care about it, but it doesn't change the fact that I'm ignorant about it.

Trying to berate ClassicTrekker for having a different view is unnecessary. I don't mock people who don't know how to use a micrometer. Everyone has different knowledge, skills and attributes.

Let's not forget that Pluto was discovered by a farmer's son who built his own telescope out of old tractor parts, yet there are those who on the surface would have dismissed him as being an ignorant hayseed for merely being a farmer.

I'm not trying to throw fuel on the fire, by the way. I just don't want this to spiral out of control. After all, we're on the verge of getting into an argument about a ruler, basically!

 

[iguana_tonante]

Hardly ignorant, the American measurement system is well thought and serves our needs nicely.

So much better if everyone just blindly conformed.

You are Brazilian. Why are you speaking English? Why are you blindingly conforming? Or maybe, you should admit that having a standard is more useful than rolling in one's own conceitfulness.

 

[Mad Mike]

So much better if everyone just blindly conformed.

You are Brazilian. Why are you speaking English? Why are you blindingly conforming? Or maybe, you should admit that having a standard is more useful than rolling in one's own conceitfulness.

So for having my own opinion, I get called ignorant, then I'm mocked, and now I'm called retarded by someone who thinks that "conceitfulness" is a word.

Alright then. I'm out. Coffee anyone?

 

[LMFAOschwarz]

Iguana...I'm really trying to be nice, but a graph featuring an "Arbitrary Retarded Rollercoaster" as a statistical measure? Your idea of "science" is right up there with leeches removing evil spirits, and witch burnings.

I'm out, too...I could go for a coffee!

 

[iguana_tonante]

To be honest, I too dislike the use of mental disability as a disparaging term. But that was the picture I found, and I didn't think about taking it out. I will cancel it in the original picture. (But I will still own the mistake.)

Still, the point stands.

Also, conceitfulness should totally be a word. Why should we blindly conform? Down with The Man, man.

 

[scotpens]

So for having my own opinion, I get called ignorant, then I'm mocked, and now I'm called retarded by someone who thinks that "conceitfulness" is a word.

In Iguana's defense, English isn't his first language -- and he uses English a damn sight better than most native-born Yanks.

(Just for future reference, the word is "conceitedness." Or simply "conceit.")

 

[iguana_tonante]

Just for future reference, the word is "conceitedness."

That was the word I was looking for. Thanks.

 

[Mad Mike]

Also, conceitfulness should totally be a word. Why should we blindly conform? Down with The Man, man.

I do respect your sense of humor, +10 Internets to you good sir.

Scotpens is right. For it not being your first language, I'd go as far to say that you type better English than many of my own family members.

 

[LMFAOschwarz]

Sorry, all. I've calmed down now, and promise to be nice!

I haven't even read the recent posts..but I do want to apologize to you, Iguana: I had to deal with my niece's husband today, and while a nice guy mostly, he does tend to be very confrontational. Challenges everything. I took it out on you, and that wasn't right.

Also, on topic, it occurred to me later that I use the metric system every single day. I calibrate things at work to earn my current livelihood. It's become so ingrained that I didn't even realize it!