Been thinking lately about the subject of American naivete. I've been thinking about starting a thread about this, not sure if people want to hear it.
A quick disclaimer - I'm half American, and love this country, and wouldn't want any other country to be the global hegemony instead of us. The people can be some of the best and most giving in the world.
With that being said, when abroad it can seem at times that Americans are the most naive people on the planet.
A few examples:
US Diplomat Killed on Afghan Mission She Coveted
This poor girl thought that bringing books to schoolgirls in Afghanistan would help 'advance' the country. Come on - they kill people there for educating women. If you insist on doing it, at least let the Airborne Rangers clear the area first.
And don't say 'well only a girl would be that dumb', think about the Vietnam war and the naive 'bright young men', Americans who thought they'd be helping the country by invading it.
Same thing in Iraq. Trying to do 'nation building' in a country with no understanding whatsoever of the local culture.
To get off the military track; while doing business abroad, I once had a Dutch salesman tell me "I like doing business with Americans. They are so trusting and straight-forward." Another European businessman told me "Americans will believe anything you tell them. But if they catch you lying once, they'll never work with you again."
Another example is bargaining. Most Americans wouldn't consider bargaining, even in a Middle East market. If they do, they actually just take the salesman's starting offer (i.e. $250 for a 'genuine' Persian rug he bought for $2.50 from a Chinese merchant), and just drop it down 10%, and are happy with themselves for their tough negotiating skills.
Also the ridiculous street scams people fall for. I still see Americans throwing away money to the 3 Card Monte dealer on La Rambla in Barcelona, or being charged triple because they didn't ask the price of a cab ride beforehand in Athens.
I think part of the reason for this American naivete is that the country is so large, and many people don't travel or even own a passport. Contrast that to Europe, where a four hour drive can bring you across three countries. America can be something of a 'bubble'.
So, to tie this back into the OP, I haven't experienced much 'American hate' abroad, aside from a bit during the GW Bush era, but it does seem that Americans have a big rep for being naive throughout much of the world.