David et al., Most of us on this list believe metric is easier, but that is because we have studied the issue, and have done so for a long time. We have dissected each system, and some of us, like myself, have written a lot of copy about each of them. But, yes, I believe you are quite right: there are many Americans who have neither thought about it, nor would care if the subject came up, and the result would be that they might think metric is tougher. Years ago, my own father said to me, "I could care less." At about the same time, my own sister said to me, "But, that's not our culture!" For some, real metrication could come as a major challenge for a while, just because it is different from what we are used to.
I just tried something this week with my department's receptionist at work. I pointed out the millimeter scale on her wooden ruler and asked her to contemplate that you can count decimally on it, without having to spot sixteenths, eighths, or quarters of an inch, i.e., if you're measuring 56 mm, you just go to the 56 line on the scale. She smiled and said, "Yes...but there are no inches!" So, I think that tackling the problem of changing over to metric will be, first, to educate. In 1971, then-Commerce Secretary Maurice Stans wrote in his metric study report cover letter to Congress, as a point to remember for successful U.S. metrication: "...that early priority be given to educate every American schoolchild and the public at large to think in metric terms." We should make it clear from the start, "Yes, Virginia, there are no inches." Prof. Barry Duell, born in Oregon but now living in Japan, just posted the following on his change.org post: My metric adoption story is that I moved to metric Japan decades ago and was forced to metricate whole hog in order to function in the society. Around me were no supporting mechanisms to ease me gradually into the metric world. Though tough at first, and I did initially spend time doing many calculations back and forth to traditional US measures, it wasn't long before I could navigate the metric sea of things.One of the easier adjustments to make was to convert my personal 4-inch measuring instrument, my forefinger, into my 10 cm measure, a handy device to use for better grasping the rough size of the things. Paul Trusten, R.Ph. Public Relations Director U.S. Metric Association, Inc. www.metric.org 3609 Caldera Blvd. Apt. 122 Midland TX 79707-2872 US +1(432)528-7724 [email protected] ----- Original Message ----- From: David To: U.S. Metric Association Sent: 10 January, 2009 21:23 Subject: [USMA:42299] Fact or opinion? Is the metric system really easier for everyone or is that just opinion? I was speaking to some close friends and one of them is very much against the metric system. His argument is that it isn't easier for everyone. Is this true? Isn't ease of use a matter of opinion? But then I looked at it this way. In converting units, which one takes less calculations? Obviously metric wins hands down, since none are needed. I think this makes metric more efficient and thus makes it easier. Makes sense, right? I personally think it's easier for everyone, and I also think that people against metrication just use that as an excuse; but is it really easier for everyone or is it just opinion?
