"American" is also not a shorthand term for "crass", "bullying", "obnoxious", or any other abuse that someone wants to sling. Or it should not be. But it too often is.

I've had people back down when challenged on this, and actually admit that they're just using it as a catch-all phrase. So I quote to them occasions when - not that long ago - their own nationality was spoken of in that same manner, and how offensive it is. Works wonders.