Personally, when I travel to different places I try to be respectful and the last thing on my mind is to question or impose my perception of them on them.
For 1, 3 and 4....the vast majority of Croatians have a fairly good understanding of how they're perceived by Westerners (in particular)...the only time you might get into an argument with a Croat over these points is if you're too insistent or obtuse. A comment or remark here or there will not get you into an argument, especially if you're a stranger. Most of the time it will just be taken for granted that a non-local thinks this way. At worst, that person might tell you what they think (not all Croats believe the same thing or have the same self-perception). Of course, if you're not a complete stranger you could get into a deeper conversation with someone and eventually an argument. But with a complete stranger the chances are very low.
Personally, when I travel to different places I try to be respectful and the last thing on my mind is to question or impose my perception of them on them.
Absolutely agree, you should always travel with an open mind
For 1, 3 and 4....the vast majority of Croatians have a fairly good understanding of how they're perceived by Westerners (in particular)...the only time you might get into an argument with a Croat over these points is if you're too insistent or obtuse. A comment or remark here or there will not get you into an argument, especially if you're a stranger. Most of the time it will just be taken for granted that a non-local thinks this way. At worst, that person might tell you what they think (not all Croats believe the same thing or have the same self-perception). Of course, if you're not a complete stranger you could get into a deeper conversation with someone and eventually an argument. But with a complete stranger the chances are very low.
Croatians that I have personally met have always been the nicest people possible and I agree just be kind and you'll have a great time.