I don't spend a lot of time worrying about cultures. I still have not figured out the differences between Los Angeles and Orange County, for example. I'm told the differences are VAST.
No real preference. Pondering this a little more, I suppose Asian women (for example, my last girlfriend) are a particular weakness for me. Kryptonite.
RE: Some guys sometimes say "they've been up to their neck in the world's troubles"
Perception and reality are oft at odds.