As a young girl, I hitchhiked through half of Africa. It worked out really well and I always felt safe. Later, I got to know other sides of the continent and worse areas; I wouldn't necessarily recommend it any more. Nevertheless, I would take hitchhikers with me if I had space and wasn't in a hurry...
I'm glad the commenters here today have a different opinion and it gives me a chance to look at things from both sides.
Could a specific position on this issue be perceived as a national trait? Maybe not. Maybe it's really more about: I do and think this/I would do that because I have that experience in life and this is what happened to me...
I'd say you were lucky in that regard 😊