It's interesting that you find the primary American story to be the individual who doesn't fit in society. I can definitely see that.

At the same time, I see an alternate narrative and I was surprised at how well it fits in with our actual history. That alternate story is the "rag-tag set of underdogs who combine into an incredible team."

Take, for example, the story of the American Revolution. The Continental army was composed of guys from all over the colonies who didn't understand or get along with each other at first. They were led by a failed commander who had never won a battle (as a Major--he wasn't General Washington up until he was put in command of the Continentals). They spent the first couple years getting the crap beaten out of them by the British Army. Their best strategy turned out to be running away. They were perpetually underfunded, cold, and hungry.

But (with the help of a gifted guru), they pulled it together in a montage training blitz, won a few key victories and overcame the superior enemy.

If that isn't the Bad News Bears, I don't know what to call it. :)