re: Are Americans historically less able to empathize with other cultures in

I don't know that "less able to empathize" is how I'd frame it.

I, for one, believe in the objective superiority of certain western values. I'm not a fan of cultural relativism, thus to the extent some non-western nation doesn't want the high points of our culture, freedom of speech, for example, I tend to think that position is the product of an inherently inferior culture.

I don't think that means I'm not able to empathize. I understand the basis for why someone may not want freedom of speech. I understand how it might suck to feel like my world view is being affronted by some outsider. But, I still think they're wrong.

All that said, it doesn't mean I support crusades in the name of American exceptionalism. Just because I think we're right and you're wrong doesn't mean I feel called to exert our correctness upon you by force.