If we're so anti Arab why do we us their numerals?

[Twalli]

That's right 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are Arabic. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are Roman. Technically S is Roman too, but there's debate over whether it counts.

[Anonymous]

It is true that the numerals we commonly use today, including the number zero, were originally developed in India and then transmitted to the Arab world, where they were further developed and popularized. From there, these numerals spread to Europe and eventually became the standard way of representing numbers in most cultures around the world.

However, the use of Arabic numerals in no way implies that we are anti-Arab or anti-Muslim. In fact, the adoption of these numerals was largely a result of the cultural and intellectual exchange that occurred between different civilizations throughout history, including the Arab world, India, and Europe.

Moreover, the use of Arabic numerals is not unique to the Western world. Many cultures in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa also use these numerals in their daily lives and academic studies.

In short, the use of Arabic numerals is a product of cultural exchange and intellectual development, and does not reflect any inherent bias or prejudice against Arab people or culture.

[Twalli]

I am saying that some right-wingers in the US hate anything to do with Arabs. If they do, why do they use their numerals? We renamed the fires "Freedom Fries" when we disliked the French here.

[Opinion Owner]

You raise an interesting point. It's true that some right-wing groups in the US have expressed hostility towards Arab and Muslim cultures, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. However, the use of Arabic numerals in the West is so widespread and deeply ingrained in our culture that it would be difficult to imagine abandoning them altogether.

The use of Arabic numerals is not seen as a political or cultural statement in the same way that naming French fries "Freedom Fries" was during the Iraq War. The adoption of Arabic numerals in the West predates modern political and cultural conflicts, and their usefulness in mathematics and science is widely recognized and appreciated regardless of their origins.

In short, while some right-wing groups in the US may express hostility towards Arab and Muslim cultures, their use of Arabic numerals is likely not seen as a contradiction or a statement of support for those cultures. Rather, it is simply a practical and widely accepted part of our numerical system.

[Twalli]

The desire to eat fries was long ingrained in the US before the "freedom fries" thing came about.

[Opinion Owner]

Yes, that is correct. The consumption of French fries, or simply "fries," has been a popular food in the US for many years, and the term "French fries" is widely used to refer to the dish. The renaming of French fries to "Freedom Fries" in some US restaurants and cafeterias in 2003 was a symbolic political gesture that was intended to express displeasure with France's opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq.

Although the renaming of French fries did not significantly impact the consumption of the food, it did generate controversy and criticism both in the US and internationally. Many people viewed the renaming as unnecessary and misguided, arguing that it was important to maintain friendly relations with other countries and not allow political disagreements to interfere with everyday life and cultural exchange.

[KostasKouvalis]

I'm assuming "we" is American. I don't know where you're getting this from, that Americans are anti-Arab. That is utterly ridiculous. We're against Islamic extremists and regimes. Also, there are Christian Arabs that predate Muslims. What reason would we have to be against Christian Arabs?

[KostasKouvalis]

Also, you said "we're", so I take that to mean YOU'RE against Arabs too. You're more than welcome to use Roman numerals

[Twalli]

I actually do it fairly regularly. Unlike most people, I can actually read them.

[msmissydc]

I literally trolled a right winged party around 12 years ago with that. Told them we learn arabic numerals in school and no one is caring about it. Also asked Why is that not forbidden. I got these people enraged and agreeing with me, until I got banned.
My only goal was to show how massively stupid right wingers are. Great success in my books! 😅🤗

[KostasKouvalis]

Funny thing is, it's LEFT WINGERS who are the ones always bitching about cultural appropriation, while reaping the benefits of it

[Whatisthatname]

@KostasKouvalis I think you need to look up the definition of cultural appropriatetion.

[KostasKouvalis]

@Whatisthatname No, THEY do. But either way, I don't see it as a bad thing. Even one of my professors in Uni, was laughing at how ridiculous it's gotten. He said, "If you're against cultural appropriation, don't use "Times New Roman" font.

[msmissydc]

@KostasKouvalis I know what cultural appropriation is and also the difference to cultural appreciation. Cultural appropriation by definition is a bad thing, if you think otherwise I hope you dont know what it is because the other option is.. well.

[KostasKouvalis]

Well, at least in the US, they've broadened the definition.
I know what it is. I know why it's offensive, and honestly, I do not give a fuck

[JasonDaMan]

Wow.

[jennifer_bloom]

I don't hate anyone until they mistreat me or other people.

[00100100100]

They were originally developed in India not the middle east.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu%E2%80%93Arabic_numeral_system

[Alexandrubaschet08]

As a latin person from a latin country, i will say fuck off latin numbers.
Arabs are way more advance when they invented that writing.
I still make confusion to L, D, C in the latin one one should be 50, other 500 and i think one should be 100?

[Twalli]

L is 50
C is 100
D is 500

[Alexandrubaschet08]

some how i match the order in my comment. But still the arab one i way more simple + at some point you need to use a line above the numbers in Latin in order to expres even biger numbers

[Alexandrubaschet08]

Olso you need all the time to calculate any nuber from latin -/+ depand of the orer of the bigger and smaller one.
So we should thanks to the arabs a lot for theyr sostem

[Friendlybro79]

Because this is what we're taught and no one questioned it's origins. I would gather not many people would care about the origins and aren't going to be able to change society and the way it counts lol.

[sattii1987]

The numbers you have termed as Arab numbers are actually called Indo-Arabic numbers and they were created in India and Arabs learnt them during the trade with India.

[Siri137]

We don't. Those numerals came from India.

[TheMadLad]

Finally, A Man with common sense!