Speaking of an "typical american" is as stupid as speaking of an "typical european", even worse I believe, though most of them have at least one language in common compared to europe with its dozens of utterly different languages.

But nonetheless, regarding my own humble experience, I found most americans beeing really kind, straight, honest and generous people, and despite these qualities, they can be quite (irritating) modestly too. I believe even behind the "fuck off, leave me alone"-attitude, some of them have, you still may find a big, bumping heart in the right place. They live, struggle and suffer as we all do, well, probably in a more intense way. A lot of them have managed to create incredible beautiful and touching things like art, literature, music and other amazing or insane stuff while they have been living in the worst nightmare you can't nor you like to imagine at all. You won't find this special kind of strength and creativity very often outside america. Especially their music can tell you a lot about them; if you're open minded and dig deeper.

It's true their culture is quite dominating, from an european point of view, but this is because they're often just freaking good in what they do, and the "language" they speak is one everyone can understand. Since the U.S., as well as Canada, were founded by people who came or fled from every thinkable place of this planet, americans are the sum of all these origins. Squared. So, from a different view, we're all americans. If you want to see one, just look into a mirror. If you hate them, you probably just hate yourself.

Regarding U.S. residents, I hope, wish and pray they get their act together again, that they get over all this sad shit they suffer from and rise like a phoenix. Come on. Nobody can smile like you do, show it to us again. I'm missing it.

To redefine the perceived meaning of wealth on earth and brainwash people into pursuing it.

There are two types, stereotypical and the ones that don't show up in media
STEREOTYPICAL: Overweight men who watch football and play football all day; Anorexic girls who just want to party and be like their idol, Pairs Hilton. Also people who over spend like crazy
OTHERS: The kind that actually put thought into what they say, are proud to be American for the opportunities they have here and the history of those opportunities, the kind who work hard for every friggin ass penny they can get, the kind of people that started this country

Yeah, sure we all overspend at least occasionally, and we probably all have fun being lazy at least once in awhile, and yeah we love our cars, but at least 55% of us have a heart

Any slang word originating in the United States that has become popular in other countries around the globe.

People who reside in Northern or Southern America, but usually pertaining to the United States. Contrary to popular opinion, not all Americans are fat, eat at McDonalds, drive 4 SUVs, or think their country is the best.

Many Americans I know eat like normal people though. Last time I checked there, I have seen more ads for healthy, organic food than for McDonalds. It wasn't like that a few years ago though.

SUVs are becoming less common, and there is now a growing number of Hybrids on the road. Driving a Peugot around on an interstate highway wouldn't be as safe as a Prius, but still very efficient.

Americans also aren't stupid at geography either. Most do know that England and Scotland are two entirely different countries.

Not every American is arrogant about their country. The US is the world's lone superpower, but whether it is the "best" is subjective and must be based on many variables. Most the negative definitions about the US come from Americans themselves.

Oh, and you can make fun of American culture, but chances are if you have a computer and internet then you are as greedy a capitalist as they are.

America is a huge country, so there are definitely many nutcases out there, but you can't judge an entire country based on a few pricks on the internet. I have met many people who have traveled to America and had a grand time there. America may not be perfect, but it has a lot to offer if you look in the right places.

Anyone originating from the continents of North and South America. However to aline with previous posts will be condensed to people originating from or adopting citizenship in the United States of America. This definition confines "Americans" to a population of roughly 300 million. Within those 300 million or so citizens may be found genetic components originating from every nation and region currently comprising the international community. Considering the diversity and population of these people their individual qualities are equally diverse. So upon interviewing all 300 million one would find everything from the mentally handicapped to the highly brilliant, amazingly ignorant to the extremely knowledgable, and the morbidly obese to the epitamy of healthy. Obviously any statement attempting to stereotype or critque such a broad and varying group of people would only preval in showing the ignorance of the author.

legal resident of the United States; not really a nationality since everybody came here from somewhere else