From an outsider's perspective, I am saddened by the fact that so many intellectuals decide to balance out generic nationalism of the masses by a mix of pity and resentment towards their own nation.

This is not just American feature, it is the same in all cultures whose language I understand (Czech, Polish, German).

An unfortunate consequence is anti-intellectualism. It is easy to slip into anti-intellectualism if intellectuals cultivate an anti-(American, British, French, German) image.

I wish this did not happen as often as it does now. There is no intrinsic reason for learned people to be antagonistic towards the country/nation they live in. It is a weird fashion.