I've also traveled elsewhere (fairly widely in India), and the need for confrontation does arise (being a tourist in any hugely-trafficked area makes you a nice fat target if you can't stand up for yourself), but I got the hang of it -- again, speaking English. France is ridiculously tame, by comparison... but it's been here where I've had to relearn how not to get scammed.
I think the real problems were mentioned in other comments: added latency, and lack of gut emotional connection to the words. (Interestingly, the cultural-gap-doubt I mentioned -- "is this normal behavior?" -- applies to travel in places where I don't speak the language at all, like eastern Europe, but the latency doesn't, since I'm just sticking with English in my head).
Side note #1. I really bristle at the arguments (and terminology) about "feminization" of men; there uglier terms for this idea, but in any form it's offensive. The idea that any trend of men being less aggressive, dominating, and verbally or physically violent is NEGATIVE just blows my mind. There's a huge difference between calmly standing up for yourself (an admirable action in a man or woman) and strutting around with your fists always at the ready and a sneer on your mouth.
Societies in general are better places with fewer of the latter wandering around and breaking each others' noses. And most folks who are succeeding in life according to my definitions have far more social sophistication.
Side note #2: It's not that hard to cross a road in any country. If you've never been there before, just spend a few minutes observing people and cars, and do what works locally. Dunno how this has anything to do with gender or culture, though I do see Americans overseas who seem to think they haven't left America -- that may apply as a cultural failure.
I live in S. America and I see the same thing you're talking about in BsAs...but I actually prefer the way crossing the street is (I think it's safe to say anywhere) outside of the US because it makes people be aware. I've found myself many times taking chances with this because of my US attitude that I can just sue anyone that might hit me (as an aside, my cousin was hit by an ambulance in the US and won 250K, then invested smartly and turned it into 1 mil...at 21 yrs old). These days, this viewpoint of suing people in another country makes me chuckle.
I live in SM and work in West LA. Most of the crosswalks simply don't have lights. Not even the ones in the ground that flash yellow. If you don't go for it, you'll never cross because there's no reason for anyone to stop.
"Feminized" (and I disagree with this characterization because - have you met any females in latin or european countries? Quite assertive.) men would just stand there, waiting for traffic to stop. I see that here a lot from clueless people.
Locals like me just charge into traffic on foot, consequences be damned. I just walk in front of a 50MPH vehicle and stare them down and dare them to run me over. Hasn't happened yet. Try it some time, that's livin' ;)
Or so you hope.
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Walking in front of a car doing 50mph might be OK in West LA. Please don't try it in another country unless you want to experience their intensive care facilities.
On the point of crossing the street with fast moving traffic, you don't really need to do what you are doing. It's a dance. If you've ever been to Manhattan you know what I am talking about. Cross a little, wait, one more lane, wait, etc. No big deal if you know what you are doing.
What I am talking about is the total absence of the external appearance of awareness. It's one thing to cross the street and stare a driver in the eyes. It's quite another to cross the street while looking at the ground. I teach my kids that if there's no eye contact with the driver they don't get in front of that car. Plain and simple. They've also had some "training" in Manhattan and parts of Europe. You'll never see them cross a street without looking.
To be clear, being masculine does not mean being a complete asshole. In fact, quite the opposite, in my opinion. It's a balance. It's being a gentleman while remaining assertive and considerate. It is yielding your seat in the train to an older person. While, at the same time, not bending with the wind when it is important. It's about a balance that I can't fully define. All else being equal, I don't think it has anything whatsoever to do with language.
Try visiting Asia. They actively try to hit pedestrians to teach them a lesson, especially in large cities like Shanghai in China (TW and SG and JP are a bit better).
The opposite end of the spectrum is Denver, CO. People just wander around in the streets. It's a known thing. The cab drivers all hate it.
My point is that the culture of LA allows it, so you should do it. LA isn't any of these places. And yes, I'm bragging about how well traveled I am right now.
Asia is on my list. I've mainly done Europe and S. America. Almost went to Tokyo to study Aikido for six months but just couldn't pull it together. Maybe next time.
How adventurous and original of you. Did you think of that one all on your own?
Here's an example that isn't really about what I am talking about but speaks to the cultural and environmental differences:
Here in Los Angeles it is not too uncommon to see people crossing a street without even looking right or left and without continuously scanning for cars as they cross the street. I've also seen (kids!!!!) crossing the street running. Now, go down to Buenos Aires and try that on for size. Or do it in Rome. Or cross a bike path in Amsterdam without looking. You'll land yourself in a hospital, if you are lucky.
It's the same out in Manhattan, of course.
Non-scientific, non-extensive observation, but I don't think the lack of assertiveness has anything to do with language but rather culture. I can be assertive in a few languages, but I spent most of my young life in a more, shall we say, "fire-y" culture.