The Great America: Common or Purposeful Misconceptions?

If you come across just about any news review, book review or anything that talks about USA it generally begins with some "misconception" articles. Does the reader actually think they are misconceptions or is it generally the author trying to persuade you into thinking a certain away on a certain topic? I have certainly wondered this. Let me explain:

The USA work ethic: Why does it seem Americans always need two jobs?
In just about any article you read anywhere there appears to be a poor sap who has two jobs and really hates that he/she/the family has no time to spare for anything.

Points to ponder:

1. Is it then the work ethic of the person talking in the thread or is it the fact that time may not be managed appropriately in said situation.
2. Is it the income from the two separate jobs? If so, can anything be done?
3. Finally, if the person does have two jobs and complaining about something or another is it something that is not financial or about time?

American Tourists: Why are they in a hurry to get nowhere?
Also a hot topic in many areas of the world. You'll see it (if it can be translated) postings of Americans running around frantic while the rest of the community looks at them almost dumb founded.

Points to ponder:

1. Could it be that it is very difficult in said location to find someone who maybe speaks decent (that you can personally understand) English? Maybe the location doesn't have any known or easy-locatable English translators.
2. It could take a while for people to 'wind down'. I have found myself that it takes so long, so much of time during a vacation for me to finally be able to become 'rested' or even longer to be 'fully rested.' When you are on a vacation do you realize your mind and body beings to 'ease' into the vacation? Why is that?
3. Finally, there are those that may be wanting to get those groceries, oddities, gifts and so on quickly so they may be able to spend their vacation/ their off time from work and sit down, drank a pint and maybe talk with a new friend. (Who may be really good looking and you have no idea what they are saying but you love to hear them just talk!) =)