I agree with Joe that most individuals in foreign countries seem to be very friendly and hospitable, although I have been referred to as a "gringa" in Puerto Rico (is that derogatory??) LOL But I do think most Americans know that other countries have their stereotypes about us--probably based in reality--but I and many other Americans I know find our reputation sort of ...amusing. I never met an American who was very bothered by it. I think my view is that yes, maybe we are all those things--and your point is? lol

Obviously, I would not dare to attempt to speak for the 260 million or so of us but I think we generally are arrogant, ethnocentric and proud. We can't help but notice how many people from other lands want to come here--no matter what your stand on immigration policies, I think we're secretly (or not so secretly) flattered by this. This in turn, I think, contributes to our high opinion of ourselves (not to mention the brainwashing we all get as children to believe that we are the strongest, the richest, the bravest, the free-est, the fairest, etc.)

I think the idea that Americans only care about America is ironic, however, because no one supplies more foreign aid than we do. Starvation in Africa? Earthquakes in Turkey? Mudslides in South America? Who comes? Americans. Are we appreciated for this? No. But we don't stop helping out because it's the right thing to do.

It does always crack me up though when an American is arrested on foreign soil and then thinks he/she is still protected by the Constitution. The attitude is, "Hey! You can't do this to me--I'm an AMERICAN! Call the Embassy! Call the State Department!" Unbelievable.

I can see how others would perceive us as a big bunch of loud, entitled, spoiled, snot-nosed kids. But I'm not sorry to be one!