Dying to be Heard

Dying to be Heard is a remarkable documentary that tells the story of Dr. George J. Wallace, a Michigan State University professor who discovered a link between DDT and dying birds on the MSU campus. Wallace’s work was highlighted in Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring,” which helped launch the modern environmental movement. The film, produced by Lou D’Aria and his students in MSU’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, is based on an editorial by MSU professor Jim Detjen that first appeared in the fall 2005 issue of student-produced EJ Magazine. The film was broadcast by all six PBS stations in Michigan and continues to be aired.

The documentary takes us on a journey through the life and work of Dr. Wallace, a pioneering scientist whose research had a profound impact on the world we live in today. We see how he first became interested in the effects of DDT on birds, and how he spent years studying the issue in depth, collecting data and analyzing samples. We learn about the obstacles he faced, from skeptical colleagues to corporate interests that tried to downplay his findings. And we see how his work eventually came to the attention of Rachel Carson, who incorporated it into her groundbreaking book “Silent Spring.”

What is perhaps most striking about Dying to be Heard is the way it puts Wallace’s work into historical context. We see how his research was a key turning point in the environmental movement, helping to raise awareness about the dangers of pesticides and other pollutants. We also see how his work was part of a broader cultural shift that was taking place in the 1960s, as people began to question the established order and demand greater accountability from those in power. The film does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of this era, with vintage footage and interviews with people who were there at the time.

At the same time, Dying to be Heard is a deeply personal film, one that is rooted in the experiences of Dr. Wallace himself. We see how his work on DDT took a toll on his health and his personal life, and how he struggled to balance his scientific ambitions with his responsibilities as a husband and father. We also see how his work on DDT was just one part of a larger mission to make the world a better place, and how his legacy continues to inspire new generations of environmental activists.

Overall, Dying to be Heard is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on an important chapter in the history of environmentalism. It shows us how one person’s passion and dedication can make a real difference in the world, and it challenges us to think more deeply about the environmental challenges we face today. For anyone interested in science, history, or the environment, this documentary is a must-see.