The bashing of Americans/Who is it ok to bully?

I have noticed something since I came to New Zealand. Something I don't find very pleasant. People openly and intensely bash USA and its inhabitants. It is okay to say "Oh, but all Americans are stupid and fat anyway", and not be joking.

Sure, that happened from time to time in Sweden too. But not like this. Not on national TV, between country profiles, in big groups of people.

Every time it happens I get a little sad ball in my chest.

No, I am not a fan of the American politics, nor their so called system of welfare. I was often shocked over the segregation and elitism in the country, and the school system got me really scared.

But the people are not their country. Sure, lots of people support the madness. But can we really put all the guilt on them, or should we see it as a more complex issue, possibly partly fueled by their linking education system?

I met so many wonderful, engaged, intelligent, educated people in California. In my classes, some of my teachers turned my world around (though I was in the "rich" school). Some of the Americans I meet traveling tell everyone they are Canadians. They don't want to be immediately hated just because of the country they happened to be born in. What other nationality would have to do this?

Yes, many Americans are a bit louder than the average Kiwi or Swede. So are Italians, but then it is considered exotic and charming. Yes, many Americans talk quite a lot. In Sweden, we complain about the fact that strangers don't talk enough to each other.

Ignorance scares the shit out of me, whether it comes from an American thinking Sweden is a communist country and therefor their biggest nightmare ever or someone that "hates fat and loud Americans".















Air hostess Cathy, who helped Sam out when he hitchhiked, and months later invited us for an epic thanksgiving in their luxury Laguna house.