Why do Americans deny their country being an Imperialist regime?

Empire implies "ownership" of foreign territory. You know, like the British subjugating and starving tens of millions in Indians and Africa, while making them pledge allegiance to Britain and the monarch. America does nothing of the sort. There's a difference between being a superpower, and being an imperial superpower. Jealousy is a *****, I'm sorry so many are jealous. The US isn't perfect and has made mistakes, but in terms of generosity to those around the world, the amount of aid the US has given in simply staggering to those in need. Quite different from the British starving tens of millions in India while forcing the Union Jack to be saluted.