Why do Americans behave obnoxiously when abroad?

On a message board I read regularly there was a post referring to a young child who wondered why people in other countries hate America. There were some good responses, then the post was deleted because hate is a taboo subject. Don't ask why because I can't figure it out myself.
If I were talking with that little girl I would tell her that America is hated only in certain countries, those in which politicians in Washington have acted in ways to make them feel that way. Most Europeans don't hate America although many also feel this country has too many heavy-handed policies, too many politicians with a we-know-what's-best-for-you attitude.
However, while they don't hate us a great many people in Europe can't stand to have Americans anywhere in the vicinity. Why? Because so many Americans that travel abroad are rude, arrogant, critical and far too noisy. You might say that they act just as they do at home. They dress like slobs, have loud, forced , unnatural laughs, expect everyone to treat them as if they were special and have little regard for the wishes or desires of anyone else. You can't walk down a street or enjoy a cup of coffee in a restaurant in this country without encountering that type so why expect them to act differently when overseas?
On a visit to old friends from World War II in the French-speaking area of Belgium we were treated like royalty. Patrick Daubie, a younger member of one of the families, served as our guide on a day-long sightseeing tour. He was a hotelier and as part of his apprenticeship spent six months in each of his employer's hotels in London, Paris, Rome, Athens and another city that doesn't come to mind. He was fluent in English and several other languages. He encountered many Americans wherever he went, of course. We had a great time that day, lots of fun, lots of laughs. At the end of the day Patrick said, "You two aren't like Americans. You're nice." Too bad, but that's the way it is far too often.
In Lucerne, Switzerland we were wandering the back streets as is our custom when at noon we saw what seemed like a nice restaurant. We always looked for one patronized by the locals, not tourists. This one was especially nice: white tableclothes, excellent service, for each of the regulars his favorite newspaper and personal napkin awaiting at his table. Dogs lying quietly under many tables, too, because European dogs are well trained and ignore all other dogs in restaurants. After a fine meal the owner came out from the kitchen and asked if he might join us fora moment. It turned out he was a graduate of the University of North Carolina. He asked how we happened to find his place and then said it was a pleasure to have had us there. "But please don't tell anyone else about us," he said. "We wouldn't want other Americans coming here." Too bad it has to be that way.
At the hotel in Bayeaux, France where we headquartered for eleven days the owner and his staff were friendly and cordial. The hotel restaurant has been in business for more than four-hundred years. They serve a highly regarded appetizer - although that may not be what they call it. It wasn't something we cared for so we ate a few bites and left the rest. Near the end of our stay an American couple just passing through town was seated at the table behind us. The woman tried the appetizer, then loudly complained that it was awful. Everyone in the place could hear her. The headwaiter, who had gotten to know us, walked by our table, grinned and winked his eye. After talking to her for a few moments and hearing her repeat again and again how awful it was the owner politely said, "It may be awful, but it's famous." All she had needed to do was not eat it. Too bad that wasn't enough to satisfy her.
We spent most of our evenings during our seven weeks in Europe relaxing in one quiet cafe or another. All too often we joined the locals in groaning when the door opened and several loud, boisterous people walked in. We'd look at each other and say, "Oh, no, not Americans."
But why should they behave differently abroad than they do at home? Too bad that so many Americans that travel overseas seem to be that type. Everything about it is too bad. So they don't necessarily hate us, young lady, they just hate having us nearby.

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