I think it is very eye opening to have a best friend that is from Yorkshire. Getting to see his views about NHS and a few other parts of the UK is extremely interesting. Though I think he has become extremely "americanized" as he pretty much would hate to have to move back to the UK.
I would fit probably two of the american stereotypes, fat, and loud. Though I am only loud on occasion, I am usually fairly fat. I think it is fairly common these days for people to be outspoken about other countries and when you are outspoken it tends to come across as just bashing.
Hell I talk to someone from TSR who is from Germany, and we constantly have disagreements but are able to agree to disagree.
Yes most of my country is christian/religious. But, those of us that are educated don't let it blind us as much as the ones that are over-zealous. But at the same time, who I am to judge someone for being religious, I can't stand religion and my girl friend is Catholic, in my view the worst of the noncult christian denominations. I don't let someone's religion keep me from liking them, I don't see why being part of a church should preclude someone from being a caring or intelligent person.
Anyways I am beginning to ramble. OP just tell the people bugging you to piss off, find a picture of our gas prices here back and the states and flash them a smug smile. Just thicken up your skin a bit and go blow for blow with their joking.