----- Original Message -----
From: "Stephen Humphreys" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, 2005-06-23 04:16
Subject: [USMA:33350] Re: Where are you from?
I think (from a pro-metric point of view) things are "worse" than that in
the UK.
I was pondering about it the other day - I concluded that:-
1) If I started expressing stuff in m, cm, kg etc when imperial tends to
get spoken it won't be long until I get called "Mr Professor" or "Dr
Brainbox". Hardly an insult but worth pondering over.
As I tried to point out with Richard, there are ways around a sticky
situation. There are two types of people in the world, leaders (Sheppards)
and followers (Sheep). One can make a point that one is a leader by using
metric and not a follower. Just because the sheep speak imperial doesn't
mean you can't rise above it and speak metric. If someone questions it,
insist they rise to your level and not you lower yourself to theirs.
2) If I spent the whole day deliberately using metric references when
normally imperial ones get used people would start to get annoyed with
me - specifically work colleagues and peer group. (but I still woouldn't
dare ask for 568ml of cider in the pub!).
If enough people speak metric in the presence of others, then others will
get use to it. Those who refuse to follow your example will be left behind.
Being annoyed is a two way street. You can be equally annoyed with them.
If you have the power you get others to follow your lead. Be a sheppard
among the sheep and lead by example and teaching and not a follower.
Dan
If I can keep it up and concentrate hard enough I might well try out point
"2" at some point.
From: "Philip S Hall" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[email protected]>
Subject: [USMA:33346] Re: Where are you from?
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2005 00:09:46 +0100
I find the expereiencs recounted on this quitre interesting.
They illustrate the social pressures that can lead to people feeling
inhibited about using metric. In the UK the general reaction to speaking
metric in cases where it's not usually heard (e.g. personal height and
weight) tends to be "what's that in ...?". It isn't a big thing with them
and they are quite calm about it but it does nevertheless result in a
gentle but very real discouraging influence. No wonder kids end up talking
imperial in spite of a metric education.
Phil Hall
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.7.11/26 - Release Date: 2005-06-22
