I've found that it often depends on the country you're in. I lived in Lima, Peru for 6 months. Not a problem meeting or going out on dates with locals. In fact, much of South America I haven't had an issue. Except for Argentina (which, of course, is where I now live). Locals very much have their own tight social circles and it's extremely difficult to break into. I met up with more locals over a six-day span in Paraguay than in two years in Argentina.

So, while absolutely we all play our part, certain cultures are far more difficult to break into, no matter how hard you try.