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Perceptions of American arrogance come from other countries' insecurities and further fueled by others. Just look at the posts on this board.
The best way to handle it is to be the best you can be and try to educate others. For example, I travel extensively around the world. Every time I'm abroad, I am on my very best behaviour because I am representing America. I have done my part in showing how good Americans are and how we arfe not the stereotype. Most of the time, it requires very little effort and a lot of patience. Simple things like common courtesies, following local customs, learning a few phrases in the local language, all go very far. Locals love it when they see you are interested in their culture and show respect. Most of the time, I get, "Oh I love Americans!". Once in a awhile I will get a lunatic that will never like Americans no matter what. I just shrug it off, it's their loss. It has worked for me in America-hating places like France, Egypt, the West Bank etc. In the end, they may hate you for being American, but they always love your money.
People are naturally curious and will ask "odd" questions but mostly not from malice.
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"The race is not always to the swift, nor battle to the strong, but
to the one that endures to the end."
"Demand more from yourself, more than anyone else could ever ask!"
- My recruiter
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