:::Personally I think it has more to do with ready access to methods of communication for those loudmouths you mention, Giano. American media is more or less unregulated and competitive, so those who scream the loudest or are the strangest will always get the larger soapbox because they bring the ratings. In addition to the factors Dennis mentioned, there is a distinct trend in this country to stifle those who don't follow PC (politically correct) memes and methods. There are plenty in this country who get on with life and mind their own business, but they don't look good on MTV's Real World or mainstream media so they don't get noticed. Assholes are assholes no matter where they come from. That's a basic fact of life that IMO more people need to be aware of. I can think of a number of editors on here that I consider total assholes, and I have no idea where they come from (and frankly I don't care). Lumping things into country of origin (all Americans are assholes, all Italians are assholes) accomplishes nothing and gives the assholes cover that they might not otherwise have.