by Jim Waechter

Created on: June 09, 2008

The Metric System and Its Flaws

Flaws in the metric system? Say it ain't so but yes, upon further review, there are indeed numerous flaws within the metric system. Please follow along.

Mathematical Proficiency

While the metric system is based on the mathematical factors of the powers of ten, which in theory is one of the easiest mathematical equations to learn, it fails to take into account the fact that the majority of Americans are mathematical boneheads. Simply moving the decimal point to the correct position would result in nothing more than the question "When did we start using the Dewey Decimal System again?"

The Power of Language

Likewise, while most Americans are mathematically-challenged, the majority also believe the three "R's" really do start with the letter R. And we expect everyone to figure out what the prefixes of the metric system actually represent? The prefixes centi and milli may get a few correct responses, but I will give large odds on the over/under of the number of people correctly identifying the meaning of hecto, nano, or micro.

When is a Kilo not a Kilo?

If you were to have a conversation with anyone in the world and they mentioned only the word "Kilo", what would your first reaction be? Surely you would think of a weight, like the majority of sane people. But we aren't sure whether the person was talking about a kilogram or a kilometer. How and why would the same word mean either a weight or a measurement? The metric system wasn't developed in the United States, for god's sake, so why would there be a double meaning for the same word? Not to mention there isn't anybody who really knows how to pronounce "kilometer". Do you put the emphasis on the middle of the word: kill OHM eter or do you clumsily try to pronounce it as if it intends harm: KILL oh meter? Certainly even Europeans would agree it is much simpler to say "mile".

Centimeters

It takes 100 centimeters to equal 1 meter. When you have to use 100 of anything to equal 1 of something, it just lost all of its initial meaning. People tend to use the only the larger measurement when describing the distance, i.e. half a meter, etc. No need to confuse an issue by having 2 measurement types when 1 will suffice.

When to Use the Metric System

Obviously, confusion surrounds the usage of the metric system. During any construction activity, be it buildings to space shuttles, the likelihood of miscommunication between the separate teams is exponential. One team could very easily be measuring their job using the metric system while another team could be using the standard American system of inches and feet. The resulting end product would be disastrous and all to satisfy some crazy craving for a universally applicable method of measuring! Insane!

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