When you first think of Detroit images of landmarks such as Joe Louis's fist, Hart Plaza and the Renaissance building immediately appear. Although lately the images being portrayed by many media outlets and suburbanites alike is that of a city in ruin. We are constantly bombarded with stories of a city in crisis from affects of the recession both nationally and state-wide, crime and neighborhoods and city areas suffering from city scandals (i.e. Kwame Kilpatrick) and just plain neglect. Images of struggle dominant popular culture landscape of Detroit. The accuracy of these images are with no doubt true. Working and driving through Detroit on a daily basis I've seen these images in real life. People with not much hope, city blocks where only one or two houses remain occupied or still standing, drug addicts comb through city streets, home invasions and violent crimes widespread, and the only area somewhat "free" from these problems is the downtown area. Talking to many Detroiters the feeling is that of abandonment with little to no hope for much change. Living in the metro Detroit area I have noticed what a difference a mile or crossing the street matters in quality of life, in some areas the difference between Detroit and Dearborn is 100 feet. Living in a suburb of Detroit I am able to experience the best of what Detroit has to offer without dealing with its many and frequent problems.
Mike K
No comments:
Post a Comment