re: Do you think many Americans understand how bad the rest of the world actually is

But most of the world is getting better. Communications technology has made it so much easier to be in touch and know what's going on. GDP per capita is rising rapidly in Africa & SE Asia. Sure there's issues and conflicts, there always has been and always will be, but the hard evidence shows all in all this is a wonderful time to be alive. Of course the people afraid of the evolution of the world and change are sure that we're on the brink of the end of civilization.