I have lived in 12 countries, 4 more than once, on every continent bar Antarctica. I first moved overseas in 1961 and have spent the bulk of the time since then living and working around the world. The phenom. you describe has existed throughout my experience. The book “The Ugly American” was written in the 60s & the perception often remains – regardless of whether or not it is valid.
Most folks outside the USA have a perception of the states the transcends reality – events – administrations etc. The fact of the matter is that we Yanks have different values, paradigms and a different culture that others, especially western Europeans simply do not understand. Try explaining the 2nd Amendment to a Brit or Spaniard for example.
I learned long ago to focus on the good and interesting – understand the bad but never allow it to be the centre of attention. Don’t waste time talking to boorish fools – in the USA or out of it. Don’t pay much attention to the snobbish elites who continually show themselves to be incredibly ignorant in their slavish need to feel superior.
I live in the town of Northampton and have met people from all socio-economic levels who love to travel to the USA. I have never had a bad experience here or almost anywhere else due to being an American. In fact my last bad experience due to being an American was in the 60s in Guallist France.
Don’t worry, be happy. There are arrogant, narrow minded fools anywhere. Ignoring them is the easiest road to an enjoyable life – especially outside one’s own country.
