The Strange (Logical) Reason Americans Refuse the Metric System

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on the United States' long-standing resistance to adopting the metric system, despite its global use. The speaker humorously highlights the confusion caused by different measurement systems, such as the Mars Climate Orbiter disaster, where a mix of metric and US customary units led to the spacecraft's destruction. The history of measurement systems, including Fahrenheit and the imperial system, is explored, alongside the United States' failed attempts at conversion. Despite resistance, industries like science and the military already use metric, yet full adoption remains unlikely due to entrenched habits and cultural inertia.

Takeaways

• 😀 The United States still struggles with using the metric system, relying on US customary units and Fahrenheit for measurements.
• 😀 The US has attempted to transition to the metric system in the past, but resistance from the public and industry has hindered full adoption.
• 😀 A famous example of the consequences of not converting measurements is the 1999 NASA Mars Climate Orbiter disaster, which was caused by a mix-up between metric and US customary units.
• 😀 The US is one of only three countries still using the imperial system, along with Burma and Liberia, while most other countries have switched to the metric system.
• 😀 The Fahrenheit scale, although seemingly illogical, has historical roots dating back to the 18th century and was once a useful system for early American measurements.
• 😀 The metric system gained global popularity during the French Revolution and has been widely adopted across the world for consistency in science and trade.
• 😀 The US Metric Conversion Act of 1975 made the metric system the preferred system for trade and commerce, but the transition was voluntary and not enforced.
• 😀 Public reluctance to switch to the metric system in the US, especially in daily life (e.g., road signs and temperature readings), has led to the slow and incomplete adoption of the metric system.
• 😀 Despite setbacks, some industries in the US, particularly scientific fields like engineering, chemistry, and medicine, use the metric system for consistency in global collaboration.
• 😀 Although the US hasn't fully adopted the metric system, both imperial and metric units are often used in tandem in consumer goods, federal agencies, and military operations.
• 😀 The debate about switching to the metric system in the US continues, with many Americans feeling attached to their traditional measurement system despite the clear benefits of the metric system.

Q & A

Why does the United States avoid using the metric system?

The U.S. has a long history with its customary units, inherited from the British imperial system. Although there were attempts to switch to the metric system, cultural resistance, economic considerations, and the comfort of familiarity with the existing system have prevented a full transition.

What happened with the Mars Climate Orbiter in 1999, and how was the metric system involved?

The Mars Climate Orbiter crashed due to a discrepancy in the units of measurement. Lockheed Martin's software used U.S. customary units, while NASA's system expected metric units. This caused the spacecraft to approach Mars too closely, leading to its destruction.

How did the U.S. customary system originate?

The U.S. customary system is based on the imperial system brought to America during colonial times. Despite the UK adopting the metric system, some imperial units remain in use in both countries due to historical ties.

What is the difference between the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales, and why does the U.S. still use Fahrenheit?

Fahrenheit has more complex reference points, such as 32°F for the freezing point of water and 212°F for its boiling point. In contrast, Celsius uses 0°C for freezing and 100°C for boiling, which is more intuitive. The U.S. retains Fahrenheit largely due to historical use and familiarity.

How did the metric system gain global acceptance despite initial resistance?

The metric system gained global traction due to the French Revolution, which led to the establishment of a standardized measurement system. As countries industrialized, the need for universal units became clear, facilitating the metric system's adoption worldwide.

What were some challenges in adopting the metric system in the U.S.?

Challenges included public reluctance, confusion between different systems, and the economic cost of retraining workers. Additionally, some interest groups, such as organized labor unions, resisted change as it would disrupt established practices.

What role did the U.S. government play in the transition to the metric system?

The U.S. government passed the Metric Conversion Act in 1975, making the metric system the preferred system for trade and commerce. However, the adoption was voluntary, and the metric board set up to oversee the transition was dismantled in 1982.

How is the U.S. secretly using the metric system despite not fully adopting it?

Though the U.S. has not fully converted to the metric system, industries such as science, engineering, and medicine commonly use metric units. Additionally, the U.S. military and some consumer goods, like prepackaged products, use both metric and customary units.

Why did the U.S. fail in its attempt to implement metric road signs in Arizona?

The U.S. attempted to implement metric road signs on Interstate 19, but due to public resistance and logistical challenges, the project was not extended nationwide. People were unwilling to switch to kilometers and kilometers per hour, preferring miles and miles per hour.

What is the current status of the U.S. adoption of the metric system?

The U.S. has not fully adopted the metric system, though it is used in specific sectors like science, medicine, and international trade. Despite efforts to transition, cultural and economic resistance continues to limit the widespread use of metric units.