TED: The dangers of willful blindness | Margaret Heffernan

The video discusses the story of Gayla Benefield from Libby, Montana, who discovered the harmful effects of asbestos in her town. Despite community resistance, she persisted in raising awareness. The concept of willful blindness is explored, highlighting how people often ignore inconvenient truths. The video also discusses the role of whistleblowers and their impact on society, emphasizing the importance of using one's freedom to speak up.

What actions did Gala take to raise awareness about the dangers of vermiculite and its connection to health issues?

Discuss the challenges Gala faced when trying to inform her community about the health risks associated with vermiculite. What was the community's reaction?

How did Gala's persistence lead to a federal agency screening the inhabitants of Libby? What were the results of this screening?

Reflect on the broader implications of Gala's story. What does it suggest about the importance of speaking out against injustices in communities?