Two Morons Arguing in the Street Get Hit by a Car

The reason that most Americans aren't multi-lingual is because there isn't a pressing need. This is a HUGE country with basically one language. The U.S. is only slightly smaller than ALL OF EUROPE. If each state here spoke a different language, darn tootin' there'd be a lot more multi-lingualism.

I would have to say that the disdain comes from ignorance and insecurity. When you can't understand what is being said, it makes insecure people feel stupid. Nobody wants to feel stupid, especially stupid people, so they usually react badly.