The American public has shown itself to be quite critical in its views of politicians and the federal government, expressing low levels of trust in both. Yet a recent Pew Research Center survey of attitudes about government also finds that Americans pull no punches when assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their fellow citizens.<\/p>\n
The public gives the \u201ctypical American\u201d\u009d a mixed assessment when asked about specific traits. Most (79%) agree that the term \u201cpatriotic\u201d\u009d describes the typical American very or fairly well, and majorities also view the typical American as \u201chonest\u201d\u009d (69%) and \u201cintelligent\u201d\u009d (67%).<\/p>\n
However, just over two-thirds (68%) say the term \u201cselfish\u201d\u009d also applies to the typical American very or fairly well, and half of the public says that the typical American can be aptly described as \u201clazy.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n