[FORUM] Is there a bigotry that passes without question in your corner of the world?

[rfmcdonald]

Talking with a friend recently, I was surprised and saddened to realize how many casual anti-Americanisms are active in Toronto: Americans are violent, Americans are ignorant, Americans are fanatical. Yes, it's probably true that if these sorts of stereotypes were repeated about another ethnic/religious group, they'd be recognized as bigotry and not be nearly as acceptable to enunciate. As for the origins of anti-Americanism in English Canada specifically, I'll hearken back to my subversive reading of David Bowie's "I'm Afraid of Americans" and say that it relates to a fundamental lack of confidence in identities and abilities.

That's Canada--or, at least, that's Toronto. Is there anything akin to this in your part of the world?