Is it normal that my friend is overly defensive about america?

Perhaps you both should stop insulting each other's nations.

This guy sounds like a huge prick, to be honest with you.<BR>It's normal for someone who has pride or love for their country to experience frustration with those who bash America, but from what you are illustrating, this guy just sounds like a prick who can't take what he dishes.

You should probably stop talking to the dude, that's my advice. He sounds like he is intolerant and overly sensitive, and unfortunately I know a few people who can't take a joke, much less any intellectually stimulating criticism or discussion.

I vote not normal. I'm just as much of a patriot as the next guy, but I can take a joke and being offended by the opinions of others is pointless if they are not being ruthlessly stated or shoved up your arse.

I am American and while I like America and enjoy living here, I'm not particularly patriotic. I LOVE jokes about America!
Example:
What do you call someone who speaks three languages?
Trilingual.
What do you call someone who speaks two languages?
Bilingual.
What do you call someone who speaks on language?
American!
I also make fun of England. Because you're just as funny as us. And so are the Germans . . . and the Russians . . . and pretty much everybody (but especially the French!).
I think your friend is just too die-hard patriotic, or perhaps he knows that America does have a lot of awful policies and practices (ahem, Guantanamo Bay) and is too embarrassed to even be humorous about it. Either way, he doesn't represent most Americans that I know and I don't think he's being a real friend. Real friends roll their eyes at humor they disagree over, not get all weird and pissy (like when my guy friends make jokes about me staying in the kitchen).
I think you should just let distance develop between you two and make other, more positive friends. It should be easy, Denver's a fun place and tons of people will want to be your friend just because of your accent. Heck, WE could hang out! I love accents.
Good luck! And for the record, I'm American born and raised, and trilingual. ;)

He sounds like the typical ignorant, patriotic, asshole American. You can either stop being his friend or stay his friend (I can't see why you would still want to) and never state any criticisms towards America and its people.

I voted normal because as an American, I know that there are plenty of hard-headed assholes that live here.

Thank God people who love America aren't extinct (even if they're radical idiots like this friend of yours.)

Your friends an ass. I hate people who can make fun of others, but not themselves.

Maybe you shouldn't be friends? Get to know some people who can take a joke and make a few too without going too far. I love my country, but I know it is not better than any others.