The dumb and the dumber
The most widely-spread of all characteristics associated with Americans is that they are not so intelligent, or simply to say – stupid. They have detailed instructions written on everything. When you buy something in the USA, be sure – no need to worry or think – you'll find a note even on the pillow. Needless to say anything about home equipment and computers. Where do you think these step-by-step instruction books have come from? Bingo! By the way, some of such books even are used as study-books at schools. Why think? Just read the next point! Well, many people find it very convenient though...
Another thing for world's criticism is American education. Why pay so much attention to the variety of activities as sports, clubs, music bands, etc. and so little to curriculum? They created the image themselves and follow it from generation to generation – those who are good at sports/drama/music/dancing/etc. are popular and successful. And those who like science/math/literature/language are automatically nerds and freaks. Is it fare? Not very much. No matter how sad it is, but it is true. It begins from the Primary School and continues through the University. The best scholarships are also granted to the sportsman and best high school drama actors. Have you ever seen any of the American teenage movies? I'm sure you have. All of them are about self-confident popular football players and school drama queens. And both are stupid, but happy – because they don't need to worry, everybody like them, even teachers, who give them best marks rather for popularity, than for studying. And where have you seen popular, successful and happy smarties? Except of Bill Gates of course. Certainly, it happens because of the constant American competitiveness. There are many kinds of competitions between teams which represent either a school or university on different levels – from regional to national. And besides of all the prizes, the most important is the trophy of honor and prestige for the school/university. If to look at this from the other side – it is not so bad, because it brings up many advantages: everyone can learn how to be a team-player and gain common goals for the future job, to feel the pride that you've contributed a part to the common success, to develop as a personality by gaining the hobby, if it is sports – to develop physically (it is important as well when you're young), besides, public success always makes people more confident.
Nevertheless, the American education never stopped being prestigious: Harvard University, Stanford University, California State University, Columbia University, etc. Many famous politics, businessmen, journalists, Nobel laureates, etc. from all over the world have had American education, and no one calls them stupid. And by the way, Bill Gates dropped out from Harvard.