Think a lot comes from people's perception that Americans are incredibly ignorant to the rest of the world. I must say when I have been there the majority of people are fine, and in no way is any country perfect. Yet if you are one of the largest countries in terms of economy, size population etc, and you see how they behave through the media, one will draw up their conclusions to being negative. That and the fact you have to be 21 to buy a drink but can buy a gun at what 18 16? (Please correct me if I am wrong).