I've traveled in Latin America a fair amount and the difference is incredible in how much people trust strangers here vs there, why this would be a conspiracy is I think that there may be an agenda to encourage this by some in power. Obviously places in Latin America have more crime but basically people there don't really expect the government to look out for them, they secure their properties much better and they adjust behavior if they think they are dealing with someone who could potentially cause them harm. For example I've had times before where I was tired worn out and disheveled arriving to a hotel late in the evening there and they treat you a bit more aggressively out of concern you could be dangerous I guess. But other times when I've been well rested and dressed normal they treat me very politely. Americans have had it shoved down their throats that they have to treat everyone equally which is the most insane thing you could ever do and actually puts you at great risk. Rural Americans are much more based in this regard butn urban and suburban people have been majorly brainwashed.