I dont think americans are stupid,we just don't grow up eating food that is interesting and don't get used it. we eat carbs, sugar, butter/cream with lean cuts of meat. it takes work to explore food beyond that, so it doesn't happen and we get watered down international cuisines
Just like how pho and bandeja paisa in America is accommodated for the American palette which would be why Americans (I'm assuming you are American) would prefer their version of the dish over the country of origin's version?
Furthermore maybe you like the Middle East's sushi more because the Middle East has no sushi legacy and can appeal to the Western palette more?
I agree that America can have incredible cuisine that rivals other countries, but that's sort of the article's point - the majority of America is still devoid of this excellence.
Americans aren't as stupid as you assume we are. We know often food like Chinese and Mexican is catered to us but the same happens all over. It's not like we're some special lazy garbage people. If you go to Spain and order Chinese, it's made to accomdate their tastes.