Lost in translation
With all due respect, irrespective of colour, Americans in general have a problem with spoken english. Whilst they expect everyone to be familiar with Americanisms they are none too familiar with other forms of the language. Another thing I have noticed over the years is that they do not listen to what is being said to them, particularly people employed in the service industry, airlines, hotels, restaurants, bars.
Past experience has taught me to be very explicit in the language I use when doing anything in the USA. Ordering a scotch and soda can be very frustrating.