Hatin' on Americans--What Should I Do?

Question

Usually, when someone says something nasty about (presumably all) Americans, I say, "I understand. He/she has a point."

But recently, everywhere I go someone (sometimes another American) is insulting us. Sometimes really aggressively. Which, I still understand--but it kinda' worrisome....

I know I do it too, though. I sometimes say to my Asian friends, "You're lucky you didn't have to suffer American high school." And I catch myself admitting, "American are violent, arrogant, bossy, overconsumerist, and shallow. Plus, they cater to the rich and have a vulgar sense of humor." But I didn't mean all of us! ~_~

Most the people I surround myself with are pretty good world citizens. Some of them smoke (overconsumerist) etc., but they are not ego-maniacs and have healthy admiration of other cultures. We don't impose our lifestyle on others. We're against the war, for the environment, and we don't buy much. So...knowing what ya' know, would ya' hate on us?

Answer 1

Welcome to the rest of the world. The U.S. is enemy #1, the new bad guy. But if they can't take you for who you are as a person, rather than what they believe the stereotype is from your country, then that really isn't your problem. Let them wallow in their ignorance.

There are two countries that have more people in them than the U.S. They are China then India. Why don't people stereotype about them? Actually they do, and they'll stereotype about the U.S. as well, because they're idiots. I hope you meet people that take you for the person that you are, and don't define you by your nationality.

Granted that's tough being an American. You open your mouth, people hear your accent be it in English or in whatever language you're trying to speak in. An you're supposed to adhere to a particular stereotype right away.

Screw those people. Be yourself, have fun, and if anyone gives you crap (which may be a lot), shake 'em off and go on. You're American. You desreve to have fun. We get so little time off from work. If we choose to travel overseas, it's because we want to see how cool other countries are, not to be lectured about how awful our country is.