stereotypical single woman

we’re #1……..

Motor City named nation’s most dangerous

I’m feeling oddly protective right now. I’m a single woman living in the heart of this city. But I’m far from scared. And if you visit it’s not violence that will leave an impression on you, instead it will be the crushing amount of poverty everywhere you look. The city has a 14% unemployment rate and a 50% literacy rate. It’s no mystery as to what is fueling the violence.

As I was driving to work last Friday I heard a report about Detroit on BBC Newshour, the premise being that the US is on the brink of a recession and Detroit is the first major city to fall victim to the future economic woes. I don’t know much about the US economy, finance has never been my strong suit. And I really can’t say I want to know - as long as I can pay my bills on time that’s really all that matters to me. But even to someone like me it’s obvious that the decline of the automotive industry has sent not just this city, but the entire state of Michigan, into a downward economic spiral.

But the economy isn’t all that’s wrong with Detroit. At first glance there’s a predominate bleakness around here, like the city has just about given up trying to survive. True, morale among everyone is low. Like an abused child that’s been mocked by it’s peers, ignored by it’s parents, and abandoned by it’s friends the city needs serious help. Burnt out buildings, abandoned homes, and gang tags are everywhere. But every few blocks you will see pockets of hope - new construction, a renovated school, children playing - even though it’s not immediately obvious to the outside world, on the ground there is evidence that people are trying to bring this city back to life. But it’s an uphill battle, and Detroit needs to attract even more educated people willing to take a risk in order to make it, but thanks to the prevailing world opinion they’re even less likely to come here now than they were before. This study is hitting Detroit while its down, and I felt a need to at least try to defend it in my own feeble way.