"Why I Hate Detroit"

**313WX** · May-23-16, 09:13 PM

I saw this insightful, if not provocative, opinion piece by a young entrepreneur who was born, raised and still lives in Detroit about the state of the city.

What do you think?

http://www.metrotimes.com/Blogs/arch...i-hate-detroit

**mwilbert** · May-23-16, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by 313WX

I saw this insightful, if not provocative, opinion piece by a young entrepreneur who was born, raised and still lives in Detroit about the state of the city.

What do you think?

http://www.metrotimes.com/Blogs/arch...i-hate-detroit

I don't disagree with the author about the problems. They don't make me hate the city, but I can understand the feeling.

**G-DDT** · May-23-16, 11:19 PM

Much of it makes sense. As much as I defend Detroit against the reasons suburban idiots attack it [[with their crypto-racist implications and guised class warfare rhetoric), there are aspects I can't pretend don't suck. Some pertain to Michigan at large [[the car addiction that favors the motorist over the pedestrian or cyclist, the psycho-reactive violence, etc.). It's a city that thrives on garish exploitation and oppression [[especially given the surrounding segregative environment) and then points a selective camera at the aftermath to blame the victim.

I will share a little candid tidbit I've been reluctant to state for a very long time. Being homeless unsurprisingly sucks. Yet, there is little hope in getting by in a huge city in such a state. The larger the city, the more likely the programs there for the poor are stalemated ordeals clogged by criminals and drug-users, and the options for those living cleaner lives trying to improve and reclaim their self-empowerment are lacking.

That said, it's my personal observation that there are only three reasons anyone would chose to remain homeless in Detroit [[and not just for returnables and many empty places to squat, find shelter, and camp out in): they are too impaired to even conceive a better situation exists elsewhere, and even if they can, they have little vital physical means and clarity to know how to go about migrating. Sucks but it just may be the situation that leaves them stuck. Second, they have ties to family and friends here [[a very well understood aspect). Third, they feel the only real true self-benefiting charity or occupational hope they have is being a well ingrained and operating participant within the street drug and crime system at large in Detroit. This will of course eventually use them up and destroy them in the end.

It sounds a harsh assessment, and any combination of those things may be the case. Yet, I've pondered it for many years. I just would like to say that it would be enough of the over all "feel", "soul", or "spirit" of the city that was enough to keep any one capable body down on their luck here rooted [[or maybe they are lucky and suffer little harassment...I don't know, maybe they just like the Lafayette Coney Island and Jazz Fest that much), yet, I highly doubt it.

Personally, I know it's a city that will never heed anything I say, and it will never allow me to make a positive and lasting mark where I'd like such a thing to be. This is something I've had to live with for a very long time. Even worse, I get the shaft by folks who are quick to misunderstand me or even quicker to listen to someone's false accusations directed at me. Now, that sounds self-pitying, but I base this on many reoccurring experiences with very little [[if not very quiet) vindication and justification in such a matter far too long down the line. While all this transpires, I have to watch as all the wrong folks become celebrities, when I know a lot of the ugly connections and dealings they have done [[the electronic musician who destroys bands with his selfish button-pushing Carnegie tactics and literally steals artworks from gallery walls and still has online articles written about him, the brave and celebrated 90's techno club promoter who thrilled at selling cocaine to desperate security personal with estranged children they can't even visit and then joke about how they would soon "be owning their *ss", the daffy rocker or Techno-DJ who backstabs folks just to get junk to put up her nose, the artist who has cronies distributing date rape drugs at afterhours, the "bike activist" who benefits the community by dinking over dozens of girls and likes to discharge his firearm up into the Detroit skies at least three times a year, the drummer who lies and likes to humiliate coffeeshop patrons and ex-girlfriends and always loves to relate scandalous anecdotes about famous black musicians, etc.). Than again, maybe that all is probably just a sad aspect of the human condition that has been with us in all places throughout all time-the wrong folks becoming note-worthy "great men".

**Danny** · May-24-16, 08:26 AM

What about " Why I love Detroit."

**401don** · May-24-16, 08:38 AM

Like the author said, he's trying to wake up the newbies to the fact that things aren't all Shake Shacks in the city with an in your face title to his article when he's really just saying "What I Hate ABOUT Detroit."

**DeLemur** · May-24-16, 08:41 AM

Great write up 313WX. He plays on the trendiness from newcomers and prideful protectionist of longtime residents, to say he hates Detroit for all the right reasons. Broken schools, broken transit, broken families, broken safety. New businesses and people operating in delusion of that. This doesn't mean you're a problem if you're in love with the opportunity here. It just means bring along some of the other residents into that opportunity.
1. Offer services to them. You have high priced, craft goods - no problem. Just offer some lower priced items as well.
2. Hire Detroiters, not just as security guards. If they're a little more challenging. Consciously see it as a tiny project within your business to develop that person.
3. Support the arts. Schools have lost funding to teach jazz, theater and the classics. Max Fisher does great low cost efforts for local citizens and others as well. Help those links from citizen to resource.
4. Offer locally needed items. Yes we all love Craft Beer, but that's not the drink of choice for many Detroiters. Yes we spoil our pets with expensive treats, but sell some straight up bags of dog food.
5. Say Hi sometimes. I cringe seeing young new residents so lost in their own world they don't even respond to greetings from people.

**Wesley Mouch** · May-24-16, 10:00 AM

GDDT's post is a much better read than WIHD. I found WIHD shallow. States the obvious. I don't think its a secret that there are terrible areas of the city. I think everyone knows that. The spotlight on denial in Detroit was its only value.

G, the behavior of some of our more visible citizens you describe is appalling. Yet I can't help but wonder whether its helpful. We look back to Jefferson and deplore his slaveowning and his genetic dispersion. Yet he brought such value to our nascent nation. We do not need to condone the evil acts. Yet we may be a better society if we can separate the value citizens bring to society from their personal flaws.

Pesonally, I love Detroit -- warts and all.

**Lowell** · May-24-16, 11:39 AM

Well first off, congrats to the author Eric Thomas and his partner Marcus Bell for being cited as one of this years Crain's 20 under 20 just this week. It's a bit snarky for my tastes but he makes a decent "What about the rest of them?" argument, even though with his apparent success is no longer a part of the rest of us.

Thankfully he does end with suggestions about aiding the "rest of them". However I think he fails to connect how the rise and boom inside the 7.2 mile Green Zone with all the snooty coffee shops and Shinola's are ~also~ benefitting the rest of them. The millions of new revenue are creating jobs and elevating the image of Detroit and enriching the coffers of the City of Detroit. If he thinks Detroit is a mess imagine it if that recovery wasn't happening. Oh wait. We can. We watched that movie for 40 years.

**RickBeall** · May-24-16, 11:43 AM

Wesley Mouch loves the warts and all. He loves the bad schools etc. Odd. Very odd.

**Baselinepunk** · May-24-16, 01:30 PM

Got a whip idea for a new T-shirt:

Detroit vs. Eric Thomas

It's a winner, for sure.

Limited time offer, while supplies last -- not for sale in the city of Detroit or Boise, ID.

**belleislerunner** · May-24-16, 02:06 PM

The funniest part is he answered his own question.

"Single Parent Homes: 71 percent."

That's a result of choices Detroit residents make. Can easily be fixed in one generation.

Don't hate Detroit. Hate poor family family.

It's the largest single driver keeping you poor.

That's the real elephant in the room.

**Wesley Mouch** · May-24-16, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by RickBeall

Wesley Mouch loves the warts and all. He loves the bad schools etc. Odd. Very odd.

Let's no descend too far into sub-thread, but I do love DPS. I am strongly in favor of a good public school system. More in favor of good education for kids. DPS isn't that now -- but the competition from Charters will help get us there.

Hate the sin, love the sinner.

**Johnnny5** · May-24-16, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by 401don

Like the author said, he's trying to wake up the newbies to the fact that things aren't all Shake Shacks in the city with an in your face title to his article when he's really just saying "What I Hate ABOUT Detroit."

That would definitely have been a more appropriate title.

Originally Posted by Wesley Mouch

Let's no descend too far into sub-thread, but I do love DPS. I am strongly in favor of a good public school system. More in favor of good education for kids. DPS isn't that now -- but the competition from Charters will help get us there.

Really? After two decades of charters DPS is far worse off now than it was then. How will even more of the same get us "there"?

**313WX** · May-24-16, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by 401don

Like the author said, he's trying to wake up the newbies to the fact that things aren't all Shake Shacks in the city with an in your face title to his article when he's really just saying "What I Hate ABOUT Detroit."

Quite frankly, the type of title you're suggesting wasn't going to hook people into reading his piece nearly to the same extent the current title has.

**BankruptcyGuy** · May-24-16, 04:03 PM

Count me in the minority, but I didn't think this article was all that insightful. Detroit has crime, poor schools, and a lack of development outside of downtown. I don't think that's news, nor is it unique.

I spent a fair amount of time in Chicago. Outside of the nice neighborhoods, it was a disaster. Now it's degenerated into a war zone. CPS is horrible, and might soon follow the City of Detroit into bankruptcy.

That's not to knock Chicago, only to point out that many, many cities have the same problems.

Perhaps the answer to the author's question is "Because I Really Haven't Been Anywhere Else."

**BankruptcyGuy** · May-24-16, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by Johnnny5

Really? After two decades of charters DPS is far worse off now than it was then. How will even more of the same get us "there"?

That depends on what the goal is: educate students at the school of their parents' choosing, or help the entity that is DPS survive.

**ABetterDetroit** · May-24-16, 04:15 PM

Mr. Eric Thomas seems smart enough to point out Detroits biggest problems like low per capita income, bad puplic schools, crime and a lack of opportunities for residents. When he injects "hate" for the city he sounds pretty damn stupid.

If a heavy dose of "hate" made a city successful Detroit would be one of the best in the world. We have had plenty of it around here for a very long time. It doesn't matter what direction its pointed at it isin't going to solve anything. That's already been proven.

**belleislerunner** · May-24-16, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by ABetterDetroit

Mr. Eric Thomas seems smart enough to point out Detroits biggest problems like low per capita income, bad puplic schools, crime and a lack of opportunities for residents. When he injects "hate" for the city he sounds pretty damn stupid.

I agree - I get Crains at my home and when I flipped through it yesterday - I specifically remember seeing his bio in the 20 under 20's as two of them were counted as one. Upon reading this rant, I have to admit being disappointed at his maturity level. Or lack thereof.

It's the danger of being in media. You want to get your name out there. The problem is once you do - you can quickly fall, and become as bi-polar in views as Nolan Finney or Rochelle Riley is. Both of whom are instantly dismissed by half the readers as biased, extreme or not credible. A shame really - when you share your personal views. But that's life in media, I suppose.

**hybridy** · May-24-16, 08:53 PM

I hate the neighborhood liquor store/coney architecture
http://www.camilojosevergara.com/Det...w-Architecture

**Wesley Mouch** · May-25-16, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Johnnny5

Really? After two decades of charters DPS is far worse off now than it was then. How will even more of the same get us "there"?

Think Chemotherapy or exercise. What's good for you doesn't always make you feel better, yet is good for you.

**313WX** · May-26-16, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by hybridy

I hate the neighborhood liquor store/coney architecture
http://www.camilojosevergara.com/Det...w-Architecture

There's a very good chance it's the same company that's hired to design every single one of these places.

**DeLemur** · May-26-16, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by BankruptcyGuy

Count me in the minority, but I didn't think this article was all that insightful. Detroit has crime, poor schools, and a lack of development outside of downtown. I don't think that's news, nor is it unique.

I spent a fair amount of time in Chicago. Outside of the nice neighborhoods, it was a disaster. Now it's degenerated into a war zone. CPS is horrible, and might soon follow the City of Detroit into bankruptcy.

That's not to knock Chicago, only to point out that many, many cities have the same problems.

Perhaps the answer to the author's question is "Because I Really Haven't Been Anywhere Else."

Well it is kind of unique for all the glowing commentary on Detroit right now. Its a good reminder of what's really out there. Instead everyone is focused on the latest new restaurant. Not how engage the neighborhoods and general citizen with the turnaround.

**313WX** · May-27-16, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by DeLemur

Well it is kind of unique for all the glowing commentary on Detroit right now. Its a good reminder of what's really out there. Instead everyone is focused on the latest new restaurant. Not how engage the neighborhoods and general citizen with the turnaround.

That is my opinion of it as well.

**Lowell** · May-27-16, 10:49 AM

I notice the Freep picked up on this. Title is always an eye-catcher.

http://www.freep.com/story/opinion/c...very/84917344/

**belleislerunner** · May-27-16, 12:11 PM

I think it's also a reflection of one's views of life.

Most millenials, especially working downtown, are used to a culture of positive energy. What you allow into your minds/eyes/ears becomes part of what you think/experience. For this reason, the whole concept of "ruin porn" or pictures of decay or abandonment hold zero interest to a Millenial. I would never hang a picture of the Michigan Train Station or any picture that was not pleasing to the eye or inspirational on my wall. For if not, every time I looked at it - I would be reminded of the decay, the doom and gloom or just negative thoughts.

If, however, I have positive messages, positive prints, positive images - I think positive - and while there may be decay, or ruin, or problems - it's merely an interesting data point and nothing that affects my day to day being.

That's the difference between the Quicken positive thinking mindset of the incoming Detroiters vs. the let's find fault with everything we see.

Heck there's people who want to protest there's a race on Belle Isle this weekend. Some people just need to fill their days with more relevant and positive actions. There is zero attraction between a "positive thinker" and a complainer/whiner - so the complaining/whining is futile. We don't even read it - we skip it - because we know it's just negativity to bring us down. The Free Press is probably good - because I likely wouldn't read an article titled "Why I hate Detroit". Only a naysayer or skeptic would. I would skip to the "Google opening world class facility in Novi" or "Metro Detroit fourth most affordable housing in America." Life's too short to choose to be depressed. Choose what you read carefully. It may not change reality - but it will change my perception of reality - and that's a good thing.