I suspect that a lot of factors are at work. A lot of racial stereotyping is now considered unacceptable, but since the British are part of the same racial group as many Americans, stereotyping them is not considered to be racist. In fairness, Brits are also stereotyped as charming characters in many American comedies or romances. But as for the dark side, Americans often have a chip on their shoulders about British education (which they tend to assume is better than American education) and the British class system, which they think is elitist. Americans like to think that they are a classless society (a myth exposed as such by an interesting book called Class by Paul Fussell). Insecurity usually leads to hostility. For what it's worth, look at the way Americans are portrayed in British movies. Insecurity cuts both ways.
Susan
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