What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City

Dr. Mona states, “Flint may be the most egregious modern-day example of environment injustice” (308). Why does she make this argument? What historical, political, and social factors shaped the Flint water crisis?

Why is lead exposure known as a silent epidemic in public health? How did the fact that there are no immediate signs of lead exposure contribute to both the DC and Flint water crises?

In Chapter 7, Mona says, “When people are excluded from politics, they have no say in the common space, no sharing of common resources. People may think of this as benign neglect, but it isn’t benign. It is malignant—and intentional” (93). Why is adequate political representation so important to Dr. Mona? What role does the lack of local democracy play in the Flint water crisis?

Although Dr. Mona herself is one of the most prominent figures in the book, certain people—Haji, Elin, LeeAnne Walters, Marc Edwards, Miguel Del Toral, for example—also play important roles in her story about the Flint water crisis. Discuss the role that one of these other figures plays in What the Eyes Don’t See.

Do you agree with Dr. Mona’s assertion that there are two Americas? Why or why not?

Why did “the blood data change everything” (241)? Do you believe that the blood data was needed to demonstrate lead exposure in Flint kids from their drinking water? Would the author agree with your position? 

The author spends significant time describing both the history of Flint and lead. Why does Dr. Mona choose to so thoroughly document both of these issues in her book? What role do these histories play in the Flint water crisis?

One of the most important arguments in the book is that environmental injustices disproportionately affect low-income and minority families. What should the broader American society do about this? What would Dr. Mona say about this? Do you agree or disagree with her position?