The Struggle of the Imperial System: Outdated Yet Enduring in a Few Countries

While the vast majority of countries have embraced the metric system, there are still a few nations that persist in using the imperial system. This article explores why countries like Liberia and Myanmar still opt for imperial units, despite their archaic nature and the global shift towards metric measurements.

Uniqueness of the Imperial System

The United States, Myanmar, and Liberia are the only three countries in the world that have not fully embraced the metric system. Out of these, only Liberia and Myanmar are officially continuing to use the imperial system. It’s hard to believe, but this system remains in use despite its drawbacks.

Outdated and Inefficient

The imperial system, a relic of British colonial times and widely used prior to the establishment of the metric system, is considered outdated. It is inherently complicated and prone to errors. Converting between different measures can be challenging, and it lacks the precision that the metric system offers. For example, the ability to measure down to 1/128 of an inch is far beyond what is typically needed in everyday life or even in many professional fields.

Relic of Historical Colonization

The United States was not part of the British Empire when the imperial system was established. It declared independence long before the imperial system became official, which explains why the U.S. never adopted it. The system used in the U.S. is actually based on British colonial units that predate the imperial system by more than a century. This legacy continues to persist, although the United States, a leader in many aspects of global industry and technology, has largely moved past it.

Popular Culture and Misconceptions

Despite the empire of the metric system, there are still grounds for keeping the imperial system. One example is its presence in popular culture. Phrases and expressions such as “inchworm,” “I can see for miles,” “the mile-high club,” and “I had a ton of fun” continue to be used, embedding the imperial system into everyday language and media.

Practical Examples and Usage

Another example comes from Japan, where the metric system is the primary measurement system, but the use of imperial units is still common in certain contexts. For instance, CC (cubic centimeters) is used as a form of liquid measurement in Japan, often found in cookbooks. Furthermore, on YouTube, there are many Japanese content creators who use CC as a liquid measurement in their cooking videos.

Global Shift to Metric

While the U.S., Myanmar, and Liberia still use imperial units, it’s important to note that some Commonwealth nations still incorporate some imperial measurements alongside the metric system. The British, for instance, now use a mix of metric and imperial units. This serves as a reminder of the broader trend towards metrication and the challenges of maintaining an outdated system.

Conclusion

The continued use of the imperial system in a few countries is a curious phenomenon. While it may hold sentimental or cultural value, it is undeniably outdated and poses logistical and practical challenges. As the world continues to move towards a more standardized and efficient measurement system, the imperial system is increasingly becoming a remnant of the past.