Let's remember that English is greater than any one country, and put blindfolded patriotism aside. The issue is good communication.
I maintain that mainstream American English is a lax (see footnote) peculiarity. That does not mean that we shouldn't enjoy it. I certainly
do. There is not much better entertainment for me than listening to a
Texan drawl, though I am usually left with no idea as to to the
drawler's notions.
I probably should add that other countries are heading down the same path to 'dumbed-down-ville'; namely all of them. Australia, my own mother country, is a prime example, to wit;
"Jegoda the footy?"
Friend: "Nar dingo - sorten tv."
I guess my point is that being students of good English, as I assume that all here are and also assuming we might wish to communicate a little more broadly than over the back fence, we have an obligation to make ourselves as universally understood as is humanly possible.
Would you not agree?
lax
adj. lax·er, lax·est
1. Lacking in rigor, strictness, or firmness. See Synonyms at negligent.
2. Not taut, firm, or compact; slack. See Synonyms at loose.
3. Loose and not easily retained or controlled. Used of bowel movements.
4. Linguistics Pronounced with the muscles of the tongue and jaw relatively relaxed, as the vowel () in let.)