Friday, July 27, 2012

Why don't Americans use the metric system?


I have been in the US for more than 7 years. I have gotten used to many things in the US, but one of the things I am still not used to is the measurement system here.

All of the countries except three countries in the world are using the metric system. The US is one of them. The US is the only industrialized country where the metric system is not the official system of units.
I still have no idea how big, how long, or how hot something is... :(

Recently, I was shocked to realize that the volume of 'one cup' is different between Japan and the US. One cup is 200 ml in Japan, but 240 ml (8oz) in the US. I have been cooking using an American measuring cup for Japanese recipes. Now I understand why my dishes failed...

6 comments:

  1. That's a very good question why we do not use the metric system. When I was growing up, there was a movement in the late 60s and early 70s to convert to it. All of my teachers pointed out how much better it would be if we did convert. But the movement went nowhere. It just fizzled out and we quit hearing about it. I have no idea why.

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    1. Thanks, Paul. I'm glad I heard the history about it from you. I am wondering if American people don't have any problem with it. Of cause, changing will be very hard though.

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  2. taking time along with real hard work to make a very good article

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  3. I would switch to metric if it pleased you :)

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  4. I think all U.S. scientists would like the metric system in the U.S. :)

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