>I can tell you: there's a lot of people in Brazil who just hate north-americans, because of a general picture that goes outside the US' borders. When I finally started living in the US, I was able to see that that picture is not accurate. Quite the opposite. Well, the same goes for Brazil: unfortunately, the picture from Brazil that goes worldwide is really different from reality.
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Claudio;

I had the opportunity to live in several South American countries (even a few months in Blumenau, SC – Brazil), and a lot in Spain. That “hate” (like Hilmar Zonneveld pointed out in some messages) it’s generated because US administration regarding foreign policy and such.. nothing to do with common American citizen.
Detestation to citizens generally shows up when some poll result supports things like Operation Iraqi Freedom (to point the most recent).
The truth is that there’s almost the same distribution of good and evil everywhere therefore you may find both everywhere.
To ultra-criticize American people as human beings or as a country only gives them more importance to themselves, which is natural reaction, not for being Americans (north Americans by the way) just for being humans.
Personally I disagree with lots US “parameters” but that isn’t an obstacle to get and/or build true and loyal friendship with people (in fact, one of my best friends is American)

Didn’t know you’re in Houston! You (and lots of beer) will be welcome to Miami anytime!