photo #9249672

Martin ThompsonIf you turn on most news channels these days—whether it's Fox, CNN, or just about anyone else—you would think America is on the verge of falling apart. Every night we're told who we're supposed to be angry with, who we're supposed to blame, and why the people on the other side are ruining everything.Apparently, if you don't agree with me 100%, then you must possess every terrible trait imaginable. At least that's what we're constantly being told.Lately, though, I've been watching something very different.I've been watching videos of fans from all over the world who have come to America for the FIFA matches. Many of them arrived expecting Americans to be loud, rude, arrogant, or difficult to deal with. Instead, they're finding something they didn't expect.They're finding people.They're discovering food they've only seen in movies. They're visiting cities and towns they've heard about their entire lives. They're meeting everyday Americans who are welcoming them, helping them, taking pictures with them, recommending restaurants, and making them feel at home.And I have to say, it's been refreshing to watch.What has struck me most is that these visitors aren't seeing the America that cable news talks about every night. They're seeing the America most of us experience every day. The America of neighbors helping neighbors. The America of small businesses, backyard barbecues, church picnics, youth sports, local restaurants, and people who will still stop to give directions when your GPS decides to take a coffee break.I've also loved seeing the pride these visitors have for their own countries. They sing, celebrate, wave their flags, and cheer for their teams with incredible passion. Instead of finding that offensive, I find it inspiring. It reminds me that it's okay to love where you come from.Maybe we've spent too much time listening to people whose careers depend on keeping us angry, divided, and glued to our screens.The truth is that most Americans I know are pretty good people. We may vote differently, worship differently, live differently, and argue about just about everything imaginable. But when someone needs help, most of us still show up.The fans visiting our country are getting a glimpse of the real America. Maybe it's time we started appreciating it again ourselves.I'm still optimistic about this country. Always have been.And after watching these FIFA fans experience America through fresh eyes, I'm reminded of something simple:America isn't perfect. Never has been.But it's still a pretty amazing place.Maybe it's time we all became fans of America again.