  Ltorivia485 Member Username: Ltorivia485 Post Number: 2336 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 199.74.87.131 |
No one wants to say they are from Detroit. I actually sat with a Michigan State student yesterday at a national undergraduate conference here in Chicago who said that they were from Farmington Hills/Bloomfield Hills/Plymouth, Michigan. Keep in mind that every other student at the table said that they came from Los Angeles/Philadelphia/Miami/New York even though we knew personally that up to half came from suburban areas. I wanted to smack this student for acting so close-minded. | ||
Royce Member Username: Royce Post Number: 1451 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 70.236.187.104 |
Well, Ltorivia, she is young and naive. Unless they live in Detroit, very few young suburbanites identify with the city. If they didn't grow up going to Hudson's downtown store, they probably won't identify themselves with being from Detroit. Anyone 25 years old or younger has been so bombarded with the "us" versus "them" rhetoric from adults that they don't make a connection to the city. For most of their lives, everything that they've done has been outside the city. So naturally, if they're not from the city, haven't grown up doing things in the city, then they are not going to identify with the city. | ||
Clark1mt Member Username: Clark1mt Post Number: 57 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 4.229.156.43 |
Well, technically, if she is not actually from the City of Detroit, then saying so would be a lie. You assume she was being closed-minded. Maybe she was being specific. Besides, I'd say that I'm from Auburn Hills (which I am). Not because I'm anti-Detroit (which I'm not) but because most people probably know where AH is (because of DaimlerChrysler and the Palace) and its location wouldn't need to be explained. I used to just say Detroit because it was easier than explaining where AH was. Of course, this probably doesn't apply so much to the situation you described. | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 589 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 68.40.119.216 |
This reminds me of some folks who are so pissed off over a cartoon. Sometimes one can be a little too sensitive about things. Why should you care where she says she's from? If you're from Detroit, say so with pride and be done with it. | ||
Publicmsu Member Username: Publicmsu Post Number: 598 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 71.65.11.17 |
I would have burned her.. but that's just me. | ||
Corktownmark Member Username: Corktownmark Post Number: 167 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 68.61.194.191 |
With all the expatriots many folks from NY, LA Etc are somewhat familiar with the situation here. I have had this conversation more then once. Me: "I am from Detroit" ? : "What City?" Me : "Detroit" ?: "Yeah but what city?" <<<<<- sometimes gives up | ||
Shark Member Username: Shark Post Number: 189 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 69.210.22.11 |
Gee - maybe all those people who are from cities outside of Detroit are proud of their hometown and like where they are from. Would you expect someone who lives in a town 20 miles away from Flint to tell everyone he's from Flint? Should people in Holland claim to be from Grand Rapids? | ||
Arab_guyumich Member Username: Arab_guyumich Post Number: 752 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.14.179.212 |
We have this identical discussion every few weeks, and the same exact points are raised each time. I'm sure that the same can be said for many other discussion topics on this forum, but the "I'm not really from Detroit" threads are far less innovative and relevant. | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 9892 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.246.37.236 |
Funny, I just returned from Florida where MANY commented they were from Detroit. I was wearing Detroit t-shirts most every day down there, got several comments on the "YES, I DO live in Detroit" and "Detroiter by Choice" shirts. Even those who don't comment smile when they see them. A few older couples on the beach called out "What's up Detroit?" as I walked passed, though ensueing conversation told they were from the suburbs, they still said Detroit initially. Last comment was from a kid at a gas station, probably all of 18 or so, whom had just moved down to Florida this past July he said. He too commented "Man, love that t-shirt!" Before I left he said he had just moved down from Detroit, though I assumed it was a suburb, he said Detroit. The plane ride back had more than a few people representin' the D via their clothing. Saying you're from Detroit is the new cool/hip thing. LOL | ||
Michikraut Member Username: Michikraut Post Number: 116 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 80.135.15.186 |
hell, I when people ask me from where I come- I say Michigan, then after the blank look falls over their eyes- I say Detroit. (though not really true- more west of Lansing) More people have heard of the city of Detroit than of Michigan! Say- where can I find one of those "Detroiter by Choice" T´s???? Maybe the fates will make it true one of these days. | ||
Ilovedetroit Member Username: Ilovedetroit Post Number: 2073 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 68.40.225.35 |
When I say I am from Detroit (I travel a lot for work) they usually say "actually from Detroit?" "Really?" "You actually live in the city?"...."Is it safe?" That is usually the extreme question often asked by Metro Detroiters. | ||
Eric_c Member Username: Eric_c Post Number: 647 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.73.57.108 |
When I hear, "Is it safe?", my blood boils. | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 592 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 68.40.119.216 |
You get instant street cred when you say you are from Detroit. | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 893 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 204.39.224.139 |
Shark,
Why not I do? I mean if I told everyone I was from Swartz Creek they would have no clue what I was talking about. Or before when I lived in Durand or Montrose nothing but blank stares so I just started saying Flint because I hate explaining the same thing several times. It is just a lot easier. I had to resort to the hand thing when I lived in Rogers City and then say about an hour south of Mackinaw City. It is just a convenience thing. | ||
Royce Member Username: Royce Post Number: 1455 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 70.236.187.104 |
How about, "I live in Farmington Hills, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan." | ||
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936 Post Number: 294 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 207.200.116.139 |
Been in Las Vegas for 22 years, and always said "Detroit" in response to the "Where" question. But in July I'll be moving to suburban Henderson. Wonder what I'll say in response to the question then? Probably "Las Vegas" to the outsiders. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 1783 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.101.255 |
Even though I wasn't born here,the fact that I live here- I still tell people I'm from Detroit. It's NOW my home. It's only something to be ashamed of if you really don't have any pride in the place you call home... but that's an individual issue. I don't think (or is it HOPE) that it's not a prevailing overall attitude by people in the area. | ||
Michikraut Member Username: Michikraut Post Number: 118 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 80.135.15.186 |
gotta love the hand thing! only us Michiganders can do the hand thing! | ||
Knocturnal Member Username: Knocturnal Post Number: 85 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 24.176.50.206 |
Gumby - How long did you reside in Rogers City? I was a resident in the neighboring suburbs for most of my life, just curious. | ||
Shark Member Username: Shark Post Number: 190 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 68.76.49.74 |
When I lived in Durand, I always said that's where I was from, and then explained that it is right inbetween Flint and Lansing. Personal preference I guess!  | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 2699 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.236.185.123 |
I love the fact when you are out of town, when you tell someone "I'm from Detroit", they always step back and look you over. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1208 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 141.213.173.94 |
I'm with Paulmcall. But, why lie. You should have to own up to the fact that you live in a crappy suburb. If someone hasn't heard of your suburb, then tell them its by Detroit, or, er, if you from northern Oakland county, tell them the truth, you're near FLINT. Saying that your from a place other than Detroit doesn't hurt Detroit by itself. It's perfectly possible to represent Detroit well, in you attitude and in what you say about it. Typical case for me is that I tell people I don't live in Detroit but I pretty much live across the street from it and go there a lot. Many will say, "oh that's interesting, so what's new w/ Detroit," and I will tell them. Others, mostly people from Michigan, Ohio, and especially other suburbs, say, "oh, so you live close enough to get hit by the gunshots..." And they get a good education from me, too. | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 171 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 68.2.191.57 |
I have this fantasy: Some Phoenix punk ricer angrily bitching: "Where the hell did you learn how to drive?!" To which I calmly reply with that squinting, clenched-teeth Clint Eastwood look: "De-troit." At which point he sheepishly slinks away. Hasn't happened yet but it sure would be cool. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 1788 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.101.255 |
I think our Detroit-ness can be used as an asset here. This is a prime instance where that nationally perceived negativity can be used in a good way. My cousins think I'm a bad-ass because of my Detroit upbringing- it couldn't be farther from the truth, but every great while I use that to my advantage. So I say-- let them know we're Detroiters! If they fear us or admire us so be it! | ||
Sarge Member Username: Sarge Post Number: 212 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 24.28.88.45 |
My experience I guess was not typical. When I was in the military we had to go on some field ops. When I introduced myself to the rest of the group as being from Detroit, another Detroiter asked me where I lived. I told him I lived two houses north of 8 mile in between Coolidge and Greenfield. The guy bitched me out for 20 minutes, claiming I was trying to mislead people into believing I was from Detroit when my last address was in Oak Park! | ||
Strider Member Username: Strider Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 64.136.27.228 |
If you're in MI, it makes sense to provide your actual location. If not, I do believe we should all say we are from Detroit, whether actually within city limits or not. If we are ever to have true regional collaboration, it starts with changing that ever-shifting but oh so important State we call the State of Mind. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 3127 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 67.160.138.107 |
Michikraut, every kid in 4th grade studies State Capitals. Everybody in the USA knows Lansing. No sense posing as a Detroiter. We got enough problems. jjaba, Westsider. | ||
Missnmich Member Username: Missnmich Post Number: 479 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 70.186.39.150 |
Most people have heard of Auburn Hills? You sure about that? (Message edited by missnmich on February 19, 2006) | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 1790 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.101.255 |
I think the majority of people probably have never heard of Auburn Hills outside of the NBA broadcasters saying where The Palace is. | ||
Clark1mt Member Username: Clark1mt Post Number: 58 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 4.229.156.191 |
NBA fans, anyway. And those who recall the Palace Brawl. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 1807 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.72.180 |
I have to agree, most people outside of Michigan probably don't know most of the Detroit suburbs. Even Dearborn, home of Ford is probably not that well known outside the state. The best known Detroit suburb (and this is only a guess) might be Grosse Pointe. In my travels in Europe (UK, France, Germany, Austria, Italy) most Europeans don't know Michigan. But they all seem to know Detroit, and not for its' problems, but for it being the worlds auto capital, and the music legacy. | ||
Cheddar_bob Member Username: Cheddar_bob Post Number: 433 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.246.74.205 |
I tell people I live downtown Flint. Then I shoot them. | ||
Fnemecek Member Username: Fnemecek Post Number: 1517 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 64.148.229.174 |
LMAO, C_B!!! | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3573 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.42.168.34 |
ROFLMAO...I have a friend that grew up in Henderson in the 70s and 80s...This friends favorite magazine is Vanity Fair and Henderson's big mention in VF is a story is about Keanu Reeves. It starts off with a vignette of Keanus band playing at a bar in Henderson, which is described as " a place where irony goes to die". My friend is still angry about this four years later....good luck in Henderson. | ||
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936 Post Number: 298 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 207.200.116.139 |
LOL, Skulker! Yeah, it'll be nice to get a little bit away from the noise and hubbub of Vegas proper. Here's the model of the house we're having built.  | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 1795 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.101.255 |
What's that green thing in front of the house? Is that an honest to goodness lawn they're trying to cultivate in the Vegas heat?? | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3574 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.42.168.34 |
Congrats Ray, I hope you and the family enjoy the new house and have long happy lives there with great memories....I just can't help but laugh at my poor friend and their reaction to the article. I have seen pictures of Henderson in 1979 and it is a very different place when I was there in 2003. Best wishes on the new house! Thanks for checking in on us from so far away. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 3134 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 67.160.138.107 |
Detroit has a great reputation outside of the slimy circle of suburban Detroiters who take pride in the putdowns, the hate, and the rumors of crime, grime, and ruins. Truth is, every one of them has family who built Detroit, built the culture, and immigrated there. There's a lost generation of suburbanites whose kids are now returning to either live in Detroit or appreciate its legacies. Now Flint or Pontiac, that's another story. jjaba, Proudly Westside, LOL. |
