"Detroit is dead."
"Detroit is an abandoned wasteland."
"Detroit is ghetto."
"Detroit is poor."
"If you go to Detroit you'll get shot."
These are just some of the common misconceptions and stereotypes that may come to mind when one thinks of Detroit.
Today marks my 16th day here in Detroit, Michigan. And from my personal observations, experiences, interactions and adventures, I can say that none of these stereotypes can be confirmed.
Announcing to everyone that I would be spending five weeks of my summer on a mission trip in Detroit, one can only imagine how many mixed responses I received...
"You're going on a mission trip...there?"
"Why would you go to Detroit and not a country like Africa?"
"You need to be safe, Detroit is not a good city."
After being questioned multiple times about my choice to serve here in Detroit this summer, I could not help but feel like I chose the wrong destination. However, after being here for 16 days, I can say that it truly breaks my heart to hear such negative thoughts and endless stereotypes about this beautiful city that were once considered the "Motor City" of America.
During the duration of my mission trip, I have not had any experiences with guns. I have not be mugged. And, I have not been approached by anyone who has posed a threat to myself or to those who I am serving with.
Don't get me wrong, brokenness has sought out the city of Detroit. But in no way is it an "abandoned wasteland" or "dead." In fact, downtown Detroit seems to be one of the most alive "downtowns" I have seen.
There is corruptness is the way we treat broken cities. We neglect them and assume that they are "unsolvable." When the truth is that society only focuses on the negative aspects that Detroit has to offer. Think about it, when was the last time you watched a story on the news about a positive thing happening in Detroit? Instead of assuming these things about a city that is only highlighted for crime because of media, why don't we (as a society) put it upon ourselves to rebuild what has been broken, and invest our thoughts, time, and energy in how we can find hope within the city.
Instead of considering an abandoned neighborhood "ghetto" why don't we consider the reasons why so many people had to flee the area.
Instead of focusing on how bad the education system is, why don't we research what we can do, what our government can do, to bring restoration and proper education to the children who are forced to call this city home.
There are so many non-profit organizations within the city of Detroit that are focused on uplifting local neighbourhoods. There are multiple church developments that are focused on creating relationships and communities among neighbors.
Yes. Coming from Southern California to an urban city was quite a change of locations. But Detroit is in no way any less beautiful. In fact, I have never been surrounded by so many inspiring people. It is no longer possible to rely on society to judge a type of person, or in this case, a type of city due to assumptions and media. As a society, it is our responsibilities to shift the way that we perceive cities and the people who call those cities home.
