ok...there are bad stereotypes about Americans, but just as many as there are about French people
you shouldn't be worried about them, because you can very quickly make people change their minds if you just act naturally
there are also good stereotypes about any country. once a person has given you the usual "how come you have bush as a president" speech, they find it really cool to have an american as a friend
personally, i have had the chance to befriend two americans when i lived in germany, and got very attached to them, and i am still in touch with them, and i find them really great.
