In the past I've tutored foreign grad students who needed help with their English. Almost without exception, during the time I spent with them, each one insulted Americans to my face. (Yes, Canadians, I know you're North "Americans," too.)
I would then ask why they would even consider coming to the U.S. for their educations if Americans are so reprehensible. They would reply that they couldn't get good educations in their own country, or that the job markets in their own countries sucked, or that they had obtained some kind of scholarship to come here.
I reminded them that it was rude to insult one's host country while enjoying its advantages. They were unmoved. I realized then that most of the world hates the U.S., although they're very happy to take advantage of our freedoms when it suits them.
I've been in Europe several times, and I've taken great care to learn the social mores of my host countries so as not to insult anyone. It appears that feeling is not reciprocated when foreigners come here. During my grad years and up to the present day, I have yet to meet a Brit (in person) who wasn't a patronizing, "Queen's English" snob.
I suppose it's the fashion nowadays to bash the U.S. And we take it like meek, guilt-ridden little lambs. I'm quite frankly sick of it.
