In this article, the author shares her research, as well as the work of other scholars, on social studies education narratives that portray individuals as heroes or villains and the effect these portrayals may have on students. These narratives not only stifle students' feelings of civic agency, but they minimize the role of community in creating social change. She describes the problems she sees with many current practices, and then offers concrete teaching suggestions and thoughtful advice for social studies educators. Educators at all levels should find her work relevant to their pedagogy.