I'm sure if someone came out with those allegations that the Chinese were no good at maths, the only reaction of most Chinese people would be profound amusement. And maybe, in some cases, quiet pleasure at the proof that these foreigners really were a bit thick.

But that suggestion Nicole gives is interesting - the suggestion that Americans might be expected to get hot at the collar at generalisations which imply that Americans are similar, because in fact they pride themselves on their diversity.

The implication of that presumably would be that generalisations about how wonderful Americans were would be just as hotly contested.

Actually I suspect, if I were American I would object to them, as patronisingly offensive, and I'd object to them whether they were made by foreigners or fellow Americans.