That's the reason why, I've heard, Americans think French people are rude (probably extends to other nationalities as well) - they generally go to Paris, known to be unfriendly as far as France goes, don't try to speak French, and then people get annoyed at the 1000th tourist they've come across speaking a foreign language and asking for directions. So people end up thinking the French are rude when it's not really based on reality.

I had a friend spend time in Germany and tell me he hated it. He was constantly getting yelled at for no reason. I've met a couple non-Germans who love the country and I don't get it at all. About their comments to you, I guess 1933-1945 don't count.

By the way, I don't believe links full stop were ever banned.