I marvel how you guys even have the nerve to relish bathing in yiur own metric ignorance!
Uwe, in all seriousness, when I was introduced to the metric system (by the aforementioned 2nd grade teacher), it was explained in a way that made sure I understood that Americans were stupid and backward for ever having NOT used the system, and that Europe and Canada, which were so much smarter than we dumb Americans, had devised this wonderful new way to measure everything. Then the teacher explained that it would only be a few years before we did away with the dumb American way of doing things and all would be well once we did. Even at 7 years old, I understood what she was saying perfectly well and my initial reaction was not only that she was a dried up old windbag, but that I didn't need her or anyone else telling me how inferior the 'American' way of doing anything was. I'm not implying that anyone advocating the metric system today is saying those things, but (other than needing two socket wrench sets), I just don't have a great need for it.
I have to note here that I don't think I, being an American, am superior to anyone born here or anywhere else. I do, however, like being one, just as I'd hope Aussie Mark prefers being Australian and Uwe prefers being German. I think everyone should have an innate sense of pride for who they are and where they come from. It makes them what they are, and can't ever be changed, so why not embrace it?
