Sharon McMahon on The Unsung Americans Who Altered the Course of History
Oct 30, 2024
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Sharon McMahon, a former high school government teacher and the creator of @sharonsaysso, shares insights into the unsung heroes of American history in her new book, The Small and the Mighty. She emphasizes the importance of consistent action over fame, exploring hidden trailblazers and their contributions to democracy. The symbolism of the Statue of Liberty is discussed, along with the lasting impact of grassroots activism in shaping history. McMahon encourages listeners to recognize the power of ordinary individuals in influencing significant societal change.
Sharon McMahon emphasizes that impactful change comes from individuals consistently taking necessary actions rather than seeking fame or recognition.
The podcast discusses how historical narratives often overlook ordinary individuals who have significantly influenced social movements and societal change.
McMahon's work illustrates the importance of making complex government topics accessible to combat misinformation and promote civic engagement among the public.
Deep dives
The Role of Social Media in Spreading Knowledge
Social media platforms have become critical for knowledge dissemination but often prioritize sensationalism over substance. The algorithms in these platforms tend to favor content that elicits strong emotions and conflict, making it challenging for more meaningful messages to gain traction. It is essential for content creators to navigate this landscape effectively to promote worthwhile ideas, especially those related to more obscure subjects like ancient philosophy. The discussion highlights the need for a strategic approach to utilizing these platforms for the greater good.
Education Through Engaging Content
Sharon McMahon, known as America’s government teacher, has successfully leveraged her background in education to create an informative yet engaging presence on social media. Her platform, 'Sharon Says So,' educates millions on government processes and promotes civic knowledge in a non-partisan manner. By making complex topics accessible and relatable, McMahon addresses public misperceptions about government amid widespread misinformation. Her work showcases the importance of transforming educational content into a format that resonates with a diverse audience.
History's Doers Transforming Society
The conversation emphasizes that history favors those who take action rather than merely criticize the status quo. Many impactful figures in history were ordinary individuals who recognized a need and stepped forward to address it, often without awaiting permission. Their contributions, though sometimes overlooked, have shaped significant societal changes over time. Understanding their journeys encourages contemporary individuals to take initiative in their communities, reflecting the Stoic idea of participating meaningfully in society.
The Complexity of Historical Narratives
Historical narratives are often simplistic and do not account for the complexities involved in social movements. Figures like Claudette Colvin highlight the challenges of recognition in social justice movements, where her early activism went unnoticed compared to more widely publicized individuals. The discussion reveals how the media's focus on particular narratives can overshadow countless contributions made by less recognized activists. This underscores the necessity of acknowledging diverse perspectives to fully grasp the history of social change.
The Importance of Individual Contribution
The episode articulates the belief that every individual's contribution to society, no matter how small, has the potential to create ripples of change. The conversation stresses that many historical figures faced adversity and yet continued to act in accordance with their values, influencing future generations. By drawing parallels to modern-day pressures and community engagement, the importance of personal responsibility in effecting change today becomes evident. Ultimately, the discussion reinforces a Stoic perspective that emphasizes proactive individual agency in the societal fabric.
“The people that history smiles most kindly upon, are the ones who just kept doing the next needed thing.” These words from Sharon McMahon remind us that making a difference is not accomplished through fame or fortune, but by taking consistent action. Sharon joins Ryan today to talk about the stories of hidden trail blazers, unknown symbolism in the Statue of Liberty, and the change-makers she chose to include in her new book The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement.
After years as a high school government teacher, Sharon McMahon now runs the non-partisan, fact-based Instagram account @sharonsaysso. In her book The Small and the Mighty, Sharon proves that the most remarkable Americans are often ordinary people who didn’t make it into the textbooks.