"They read Stupid White Men and think that's how all Americans are. You know that book, right? The one by Michael Moore."

"Yea."

"They think we all are gun-crazy and violent. That our media glorifies violence and aggression. And that we're all money-hungry capitalists who drive big gas-guzzling cars and eat fast food."

I sighed. "Europeans really hate us, don't they?"

"Yea. They hate us. Everyone hates us."

"Did you see Bowling for Columbine?"

"No, did you?"

"No, not yet."

"Michael Moore did that movie too."

"Yea," I nodded.

"And you know what else? They started talking to me about American politics. They talked about the California elections and Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger."

"Really?"

"Yea. You know what's funny? They knew all about it. They knew more than me. Me, a Californian. And you know how much I know about their politics? Nothing. Nothing at all."

I shook my head. "Damn. I don't know anything about their politics either."

"Yea. We're so ignorant and self-centered. All we think about is ourselves and how great we are."

"And the war with Iraq can't be making them feel any better about us."

"No. They hate us even more than ever now. They see our companies and products in their country and watch our TV news with all of its violence and crime. Then they see us going into a poor country and starting a war."

I sighed again. "Does that make you afraid to be there right now?"

"No. Funny, huh? I'm not afraid. And that's because they are such nice people. I was talking to some German guys, and they are some of the nicest guys I've ever met in my life. In fact, every German I've ever met is really nice."

"Really?"

"Yea. You wouldn't expect that, right? Given the history of Germany. But no, they are all such incredibly nice people."

"Wow." I shook my head. "I wonder if we will ever be able to change that image of us."

"I don't know. But if we all continue to act like Stupid White Men, then I don't think the people of the rest of the world will ever like us."

. . .

Do you think Americans are gun-crazy and violent?