Yep, we are clean compared to the French -- and the Italians from what I saw on my last trip. (I advise you to bring plenty of Depends so as not to have to visit a public convenience in Italy).
I blame a generation that has not taught their children that Mommy will not be following them everywhere with a broom, nor will the Guatamalan Nanny.
Well, I haven't been in Boston since 1994. It seemed just as clean (or as dirty) then as it did back in the 70's. Sounds like it's gotten worse.