Reasons/Excuses

I love how people point to an cultural defining trait as the reason that they "always anticipate the worst" or "take success with a grain of salt" or whatever other slew of cautious-about-life cliches.  But really, anyone can do it.  I'm Chinese. I'm from The South.  I'm from LA.  I'm Jewish.  I'm Catholic.  I'm from Manhattan.  I'm Polish.  The listener(s) always nod in acknowledgement of this apparently culturally unique characteristic, as if it explains everything.  But it does not, obviously.  I think people should just say "well I'm human so..."