I also am a Russian, not offended at all (the guy was Russian, after all), and also believe the first question firmly falls into "political correctness in US is insane" category. I'm sure good old George (Carlin) would agree.

Ok, this will sound bad, but who really acted to reinforce that stereotype?

How do we even know s/he is Russian?

I read something about game theory that seemed to prove the best outcomes occur when you assume others act in good faith unless they've demonstrated otherwise in previous encounters.

by that я in his email. :)

no-one can put я and sign as The Russian except Russians.

(this would be a name squatting)

Ahem... Ukrainians, Belarusians and Tatars?

I think fedd was kidding... don't forget Bulgarians and Tuvans.