The Taste of a Nation?

I am curious to know the cause of the American obsession with Ranch Dressing. When Americans visit another country do they bring some along like Japanese with instant miso and Aussies with their Vegemite? I find the flavour of Ranch Dressing to be cheap and lightly metallic and prefer to make my own dressings with orted oils, vinagers or citrus juices. Am I just another food snob on a high horse? Do tell!