I see your point, Syn, but it's kind of hard not to. I consider myself to be a very critical person and I do my best not to generalize. I used the words "the stereotypical American humour" specifically because they are not all the same. However, we can't ingore that there are some characteristics that are typically American. These characteristics (both positive and negative) are a part of the American culture. I love certain things about the American culture, especially the music, but I dislike others. Do you see what I'm saying?
Maybe I don't know all about the American humour, but do you? You certainly know a lot more about it than I do, cause you were born and raised in the States, this is your culture, not mine. Yet I may say that I know a lot more about it than a Brazilian dude who's lived in Brazil for all his/her life, you know what I mean? And of course, you have more back up information to base your judgement than the Brazilian dude, but he/she is still entitled to have an opinion about Americans overall. Where does this information come from? The media, the American tourists that come to Brazil every summer (believe me, there are plenty), the American impact on our economy, the international relations, the influence in the music, the movies, etc.
Of course this is general, as it's looked from one specific perspective. But you ask a Brazilian, an Italian, a Japanese or whoever else, their view on the American culture will be pretty similar to one another. Are they generalizing? Yes. Are they wrong? No. This is how America is percieved from an international stand point.
Hey Pete, I don't think you're insensitive by the way. If you think it's funny, you have all the right to laugh. I must admitt I tend to be more sensitive than most people, but it's ok. Yeah, I wish I could make it to Philly but I gotta keep my priorities in perspective. I'm finishing college and this is not the right time for me. Anyways, it's a pitty, I'd love to meet you all and get to have these discussions in person sitting in a bar or something. It doesn't mean it won't happen, only not this time.
Peace!
