Well unfortunately as Australians we perceive Americans to be loud, crime ridden and finatical towards religion. In the television we watch, the books we read, the movies we go to see and the news which has been edited. I dont think we know a TRUE American. I dont believe it is our fault as Australians, we merley perceive what we are shown.. The movies we watch are all crime, explosion thrillers etc, the news we are shown on TV is so religious based everyone including politicians saying "God bless America" and a general fear of going to America with the number 1 threat of being 'mugged'. What is true and what is false we have no idea here. Here in Australia, we are very laid back, there is no emphasis on religion, no one goes around saying God bless Australia, this just would never happen. I am not saying this is right or wrong just that I dont think Australians truly can judge an American fairly. All we see from Australia is movie stars, lots of 'Cop movies' and terrible violent films which seem to come out of America. I personally believe America is the capital of the world and perhaps if we here in Australia saw the true side of the average American we may not be so ignorant.