I admit my view of the Chinese came from Caribbean Chinese. And I was very confused when I came to the US and the Chinese culture here was so different (and the food, I quickly realized it was Americanized versions of food). But then it began to hit me that immigrants from different areas went to different countries and continued different traditions.

And, realizing how big China is, helped regional cultures begin to make sense. But this all happened when I was a kid leading into teenhood. 9 to 15 let's say. Which are years practically dedicated to growing and learning. Adults being able to understand Southern US Culture is different from NorthEast US Culture is different from NorthWest US Culture, should be able to grasp the possibility of that idea for other countries.

And really, it shouldn't be advanced thinking to recognize that Southern US Culture itself has regional differences. The big difference from Miami and Atlanta say. Texas is in the South too and it's seriously different. Even if 'Asia' actually were one country, there would still be those kind of differences.

I'm not sure when I'll stop being surprised that the Average (Person/Amercian?) is so damn self indoctrinated clueless.