It's funny you mention that about vietnam. I have read that online a few times. I've mentioned it to a few vietnamese-american friends and they looked at me like I'm crazy. There are a lot of places taking shortcuts with pho in the US though.

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