No one was laughing at anyone mate, every country has its stereotypes, particularly one as culturally diverse as America. England has many, all of which are strange to other people, its the same for us and America, i for one cannot imagine owning a gun.
And your right, id much rather actually work for a living, rather than sitting behind a desk, its more fulfilling and rewarding.
Theres nothing funny about stereotypes when they are about you, yet for others they are hard to grasp. Its just the difference in cultures mate