Commenting as an immigrant who does not identify with the U.S., I think you're being awfully harsh. There are many kinds of Americans -- and one kind, of which I am particularly fond, and whose likes I have not met with anywhere else, is the plain spoken, no bullshit variety who has no patiency with cant, orthodoxy, ritual, kowtowing to authority, etc. This type is a vast improvement over the classic boot-licking, status conscious European. The fantasy of being an American for some is the same as that of being rich; but for others, immigrants and "natives" alike, it is a dream of freedom and tolerance. I think that's a dream worth pursuing.
Also keep in mind that Americans are among the most brainwashed and lied to people on this planet....so that their "serial loss of innocence" has some truth to it. When I came here (from a "communist" country) and was told that communists used propaganda to control their people whereas in the US there was no such thing, I laughed and I laughed, and I'm still laughing. The commies were infants compared to the US (PR and Advertising industry) in terms of thought control. Drooling infants!
Joanna Bujes