I'm American and I do have stereotypical thoughts of them, and I should know because I have to deal with them almost every day, and I say ALMOST because some days I don't even leave the house, and even on the days I do, I don't always deal with anyone, other than the check out girl at the convenient store. But my idea of Americans is that they are way too preoccupied with material things. They seem to put so much emphasis on money, appearances, etc., even if they don't even have the money to keep UP the appearance, which is often the case, because it seems many are in debt and living off credit cards. They seem to feel the need to own all these things that they don't really need at all.