Small problem, we're not arguing that it's right. And we're not arguing that you should be subservient, but we'll get back to that bit of projection a little later.
We don't argue that it's right, but let's look at the alternatives. China? Russia? The EU? No one? Yeah right.
Speaking of the EU, we've seen them in action. It's not clear that they're the best of that sorry bunch. We all know that if the US announced "hey, you're right, we're just here for the oil, so we're going to redeploy to cover what we need and let you take care of the rest", they'd be running troops into Iraq as fast as they could get transport from the Russians. (They really ought to have some ability to project force.) Then we'll see how Euros run an occupation. Most folks think that Germany is the most brutal, but I've got my money on France.
As a superpower, the US is basically a resource. Whenever something big needs doing, the question is "how do we get the US to do it?" If you don't like that deal, find a better one and take it. We won't be offended.
We don't want you to to be subservient. That's how the alternatives work. (Yes, I'm including EU and subdivisions.) Instead, we think that your responses when you ask us to do something should show some class. They should fall into two categories (1) "thank you" with as much "how can we help" as you can afford and (2) "on second thought, don't bother, we'll do it ourselves". And, we should hear the second a lot more from the EU. After all, 500M people and more GDP than the US should allow you to do most things on your own. (All that wealth and we had to handle your USSR problem....)
Yes, in some ways we do look down on you. It's because you're Monday morning quarterbacks. You want respect - get on the field. Surely there are some problems that you can handle. Show us how it's done.
BTW - We know that you're talking smack because you're not afraid of anything these days. We also know that that will change when you are.
Speaking of "sophistication", it's somewhat ironic that our subprime mortages had a bigger effect on your banking system. We're stupid, so we're supposed to get conned. What's your excuse for getting taken by rubes?