> responded by whupping the offender in a fistfight, which apparently instilled respect in his adversary. Improbable as it seems, the two men developed a friendship.

Is this improbable? It's common enough to be a trope. I've had it happen twice.

One of my co workers had words with me and promptly knocked me on my ass. We became friends while he helped me off the ground.

A drunk once got lippy with me and said "you won't hit me". Naturally, that forced my hand. Soon thereafter he became one of the best friends I ever had.

This can't be uniquely American, right?