One of my favorite movies is "Spanglish" which perfectly captures this American mindset, the only great thing about the U.S. in my opinion.

Tea Leon is a type -A elitist bitch, essentially. Her daughter is struggling in a top school. When she notices her nanny's daughter is super smart she moves heaven and Earth to get her into that school, even though it's hard on her family.

When I think of all the ills of my country, I think of this movie, because it is my experience too.