We've Met the Enemy...Who is it?

Frankly, there is not much to love or boast about when it comes to the run-of-the-mill American.  We tend to be totally consumed with gadgets to the point that polite interchange between people doesn't occur anymore.  I remember when cell phones first came on the scene and some schmuck would start yucking in a restaurant and the waitresses would ask them to go outside.  Now, you learn about Herbie's goiter or Helen's hernia and you sit there and take it.  Our neice came for dinner the other night and I think she said three words, this after being prompted.  She stuck her nose in her "device", whatever it was, it's hard to keep track, and texted the whole night away.  I mentioned to friends that I wanted to go to France for four or five months so I could understand the French...now, I want to travel this country to try and understand, again, who and what we are.  I'm not liking what I'm seeing and hearing thus far.  I am beginning to understand why the French don't like us very much.  Sorry.