 
Citychick
Member
Username: Citychick
Post Number: 9
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 1:13 pm: |    |
I don't know if this topic has been addressed before...
Does anyone have any funny stories about bringing visitors to the city and their reactions?
Mine would have to be bringing a suburban couple down to the old neighborhood for a mini-tour, far away from downtown and far from any suburbanite invasion (i.e. - SuperBowl). As we exited the freeway and came to a stoplight, one of the passengers asked if the car doors were locked. I sighed and said yes, that my car doors automatically locked when I accelerated to 10mph. He seemed to be relieved, then I said, "Besides, if someone really wanted to get into this car, do you really think a little lock would stop them? Do you think they would be polite enough to try the door handle first, when a brick or a rock thru the window would be faster?" I think he was in panic mode the remainder of the tour, despite my attempts to assure him that the boogeyman wasn't lurking on a street corner ready to get him. |
Gannon
Member
Username: Gannon
Post Number: 9293
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 1:31 pm: | |
Not my fault, just an observation passed along, while paying at Zeff's Grille in Eastern Market a few Saturdays ago, my Livonia friend overheard a woman exclaim to her husband as they waited for a table how SAD it is that they have to keep the cash register behind steel like that down here in the city.
They have it in the open, right by the front door, but behind their stainless steel counter with a small hole cut through to read the dollar total on the register! No thought for security, rather simple design...no plexiglass, no fears...except those perceived through HER warped looking glass!
We have been laughing about it ever since, I am just bummed I didn't hear it directly so I could've laughed within earshot of this poor, stupid woman. |
Higgs1634
Member
Username: Higgs1634
Post Number: 93
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 1:58 pm: | |
City- Gosh, you're so tough and cool, keeping it real in the big bad city. Let me get this straight, you're friends were a bit uncomfortable and instead of telling them that they were being somewhat irrational you mocked them and played into their fears? Did you feel cool afterwards? You must have. You posted it on here..what? two years after you put them in "full panic mode". |
Michmeister
Member
Username: Michmeister
Post Number: 197
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 2:02 pm: | |
What is this going to be? Tales from the crypt? |
Susanarosa
Member
Username: Susanarosa
Post Number: 1502
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 2:03 pm: | |
I keep my car doors locked in the city and in the suburbs.
I guess I'm a scared suburbanite. |
Cambrian
Member
Username: Cambrian
Post Number: 1131
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 2:15 pm: | |
While going to Alter collision to see a demonstration on rust repair I accompanied a fellow Ambassador owner who lives in Howell. All the trip down Cadieux his eyes were huge and he kept saying "I wish I brought my gun". |
Dexterpointing
Member
Username: Dexterpointing
Post Number: 71
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 2:26 pm: | |
I'm glad you guys think its funny that people are scared to come to Detroit. Simply hilarious.
I visited a friend of mine who was born and raised on the east side. Same house, never left.
Everyone knows him but did that stop those animals from cutting his throat ear to ear?How about when they slit him open from his pelvis to his chest? Or even the twelve stab wounds he recieved from his neighbors? all this in the same attack and for what? His disabil.ity check.
ehh, Detroit aint dangerous at all , especially for its lifelong residents. The city and its inhabitants has a great deal of respect for them.
Hey, at least they did'nt try to kill him. |
Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 2825
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 2:34 pm: | |
Really surprised that someone thought Cadieux was scary. Pathetic. |
6nois
Member
Username: 6nois
Post Number: 274
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 2:37 pm: | |
Honestly most fears of Detroit are all hype. I have never felt in danger in Detroit, and I try my hardest to convince everyone else that it is safe, but at some point you have to laugh, because some peoples irrational fears are just unfounded. Considering the fact that they know nothing of the city and only go once a year, its even stranger. How do you judge someplace you have no real knowledge of.
I had a friend that was deathly afraid of the city. I took her there several times and now she doesn't think it is a scary place, and we joke about how crazy she was, like when she wanted to bring a kitchen knife with her to a show at the Fox, I wouldn't let her. LOL. She was angry about it but came anyway. |
Missnmich
Member
Username: Missnmich
Post Number: 595
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 2:44 pm: | |
" I try my hardest to convince everyone else that it is safe"
Let's not get carried away. Chances are most visitors will have a safe visit to Detroit, but precautions must be taken, as in any other city. |
6nois
Member
Username: 6nois
Post Number: 276
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 2:47 pm: | |
Maybe that was worded badly, but I grew up in Northern Michigan and people act like Detroit is the most dangerous place in the world. Its a big city, its not perfectly safe but you can go there and be fine. People don't understand that. Michigan needs to embrace its only big city. |
Exmotowner
Member
Username: Exmotowner
Post Number: 287
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 3:01 pm: | |
"cutting his throat ear to ear?How about when they slit him open from his pelvis to his chest? Or even the twelve stab wounds he recieved from his neighbors? all this in the same attack and for what? His disabil.ity check."
People that have left (like myself) have went through this very thing. I had to clean up my tenant who had his throat cut from ear to ear and bled all over his apt etc. Fears are not unfounded they are learned for the most part.
OK, Now, before anyone jumps my ass, I just got back from my visit (will do a thread on it when I get time). I had a Great time in the city! It was the cleanest I've EVER seen it! There were more cops than I've ever seen! (Made me feel safe)! I went to Brush park Saturday morning at 7 am to do some picture taking and there were cop cars parked just about every other block! AWSOME!!
I will say this in the thread I do when I get home, but guys DETROIT LOOKED GREAT!!! Had a great time, got to hear some good detroit sound at the Apollo theater in the Greektown casino and the show RESPECT at the Gem was Great!
GO MOTOWN!! GREAT JOB!!!
But really guys, the being scared is mostly from experience or horror stories from friends. (My case LEARNED). |
Irvine_laird
Member
Username: Irvine_laird
Post Number: 57
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 3:07 pm: | |
A friend of mine who grew up in rural Missouri moved to the Bronx last year to work with inner city people whose lives are in turmoil. Long story short, a lot of her experience coming to the Bronx from Mt. Vernon, Mo., scared her through and through (some of it for good reason).
Lindy told me a story that turned my perceptions upside down. One weekend, she took some of the inner city people with whom she works on a retreat in upstate New York. She thought they would appreciate the peace, quiet, and safety of the countryside.
Her perception of reality was far off. Her friends from the Bronx were terrified and couldn't wait to get back into the city. The quiet was scary to them and they kept worrying about "reds," as in "red staters", country folks with gun racks and an ax to grind with city dwellers and people of color.
We are all afraid of the unknown. What feels safe to you is the scariest thing in the world for someone else. Odds are, there are places in the world you would be afraid to go is someone took you there.
We're all human beings, so let's try to be a little more humane in how we talk about each other. Otherwise, we're part of the stereotype. |
Quinn
Member
Username: Quinn
Post Number: 1343
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 3:14 pm: | |
My Aunt Bunny grew up in Escanaba. She lived for most of her life in the upper L.P. in a small town with my Uncle.
When I was going to School in the early nineties, I brought Bunny and my mom down to Detroit (before I moved to Detroit Proper...I was in Southfield).
She was nervous the whole time. Here's a few snapshots:
- We parked at trappers alley. Remember the parking lot where the casino is now? Well as we're waiting for a spot to open up, a bum comes up next to her passenger door, whips it out and starts peeing. She screamed, "Eeeeewwwww...OMG why doesn't this guy use a toilet." The guy was clearly a bum and it was great that she thought there was a toilet around close by he could have used.
We ate at Pegasus, and at the first Saganaki "Opah!" she screeched and proclaimed, "I thought they were bombing us!" She never explained who they were...we didn't ask. |
Saintme
Member
Username: Saintme
Post Number: 44
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 3:23 pm: | |
When I'm hanging out with friends or family in the city (or in the 'safety' of the burbs, where I'm still stuck for financial reasons) who vocalize that they are "scared," I usually get annoyed rather than amused. But I see your points, and perhaps I'm being too sensitive. But in my experiences, a little bit of common sense does wonders at getting you safely through any city. |
Citychick
Member
Username: Citychick
Post Number: 10
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 3:30 pm: | |
OK - so obviously this was a bad thread on my behalf, I was really misconstrued.
To Higgs1634....no, its not about keeping it real, nor was it two years ago, nor was I making fun of them either. I was merely trying to state to them that if someone wanted to get in the car, they could despite the locks, point being, where ever you are, you should be aware of your surroundings. But a lot of people have this idea about Detroit that if they step foot South of 8 mile, they will surely be killed.
Susanarosa - I lock my car doors no matter where I'm at also. But there are a lot of people who live outside Detroit - both in the suburbs and in the rural areas - who DON'T. They have a false sense of security thinking that they don't have to.
And as for the funny part, maybe I should clarify, but funny, I meant it to be not in a hysterical ha-ha sort of way, but perhaps a sardonic way, ironic way?
For example, I was vacationing in another state and when the locals asked me where I was from and I said "Detroit", they actually gasped and asked if I had ever seen anyone murdered or been shot. |
Granmontrules
Member
Username: Granmontrules
Post Number: 85
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 3:35 pm: | |
I have lived here for years and never had a problem. There are bad things that happen EVERYWHERE. Reading these posts just make me wonder how will we ever get over the 8 Mile hump... Please "scared to drive down Cadieux" ... how F'ing stupid is that. |
Mbr
Member
Username: Mbr
Post Number: 165
Registered: 03-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 3:39 pm: | |
I have an opposite story of sorts...
A few years back some friends from Kingston, Ontario came to visit and it was their first time to Detroit. They really wanted to see the "worst" areas of Detroit so I obliged and gave them the tour. Apparently they had built up in their minds some sort of Mad Max post-apocalyptic vision of what Detroit would be like and were actually surprised that it wasn't nearly as bad as they had thought. I think they actually came away with a much more positive feeling about Detroit even after seeing the worst areas. |
Ndavies
Member
Username: Ndavies
Post Number: 2625
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 3:49 pm: | |
I have a kind of opposite one too. I was planning an extended European vacation. I was meeting with friends in chicago then heading to Britain, France and Italy.
I had called my Dad to get some contact info for some of my relatives in London. I was born in Britain. My parents moved here when I was young. After my dad gave me the numbers he warned me to be careful in London, It wasn't very safe. I laughed and responded. "Dad, I live in Downtown Detroit, how much worse could London be?"
Just goes to show that the city/rural divide exists everywhere. |
Gannon
Member
Username: Gannon
Post Number: 9299
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 3:52 pm: | |
Citychick,
Welcome to the insanity, no need to apologize for starting a good thread...you never know where it will flow.
Exmotowner,
I would be willing to bet that MOST, and nearly ALL, of those who are scared of Detroit are NOT so because of direct experience.
In many cases, if they have experience that bolsters their opinion and perception, it is skewed towards the worst...because they EXPECTED it. (I think evil can just smell this sort of fear, and does its best to perpetuate it into targetless hatred)
I have no doubt that while retelling the story to her Escanaba friends over tea, Auntie was embellishing the story on how the man was the largest she'd ever seen, and he pulled it out in her face with an evil grin...and so on...and her take on the flaming cheese is probably very different, too! I can only imagine in her an unfounded fear of all cheeses bursting into flames, but only south of 8 mile road! (I am not trying to disparage your Great Aunt, but rather use her as an example furthering a point)
Kudos to those who recognize the idiocy and do their best to counter it with open-ness and honesty.
Non-kudos to Dexterpointing who has allowed one absolutely horrible event to broadbrush color the whole of the town. I'm sure you've done your best to notice that it was ONE experience among many you've had in the city. Thanks for being just graphic enough to insure lurkers eagerly awaiting their ceremonial gutting when they visit.
I'll counter you with one. I was at Cliff Bell's on Sunday night, there was SO much love flowing around the joint that it was impossible to be impervious to it. So, because of that ONE experience, I would think Detroit is only just FILLED with people who want to love you to life...if I didn't know the city was FILLED with individuals who choose their own actions always.
Needed that to balance out all those YOU imagine only want to hate you to death. |
Tetsua
Member
Username: Tetsua
Post Number: 1196
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 4:11 pm: | |
When I moved back to the D a couple of years ago, my girlfriend (Now Mrs. Tetsua) came to visit me from NY.
No more than 10 minutes after we got to my apartment she observed a hobo trying to break into all the cars in the parking lot of our building. I think her exact words to me were "Will, do you live in the projects?" She was kidding of course. I called the cops ... you guessed it ... no cops ever showed up, the hobo eventually got tired and went away on his own.
Later that night we were walking down Woodward to get some Chinese where she observed ANOTHER hobo masturbating on the sidewalk (keep in mind this is her first visit to Detroit).
The story ends pretty well though, with all the craziness that she's seen here she moved here. And I think the D has grown on her. |
Gannon
Member
Username: Gannon
Post Number: 9302
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 4:50 pm: | |
LOL, only bad homeless story I have is from Chicago...baglady lifted up her dress, bent over, and pissed all over a newspaper stand in the middle of a very busy Rush Street down near Chicago Ave.
I've never been able to approach those news-stands the same way, but it didn't color my opinion of Chicago!
Glad you kept her around Tetsua! heh |
Matt_the_deuce
Member
Username: Matt_the_deuce
Post Number: 746
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 4:59 pm: | |
It didn't color your OPINION of Chicago.....it just colored.... well....Chicago.... |
Patrick
Member
Username: Patrick
Post Number: 4471
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 5:06 pm: | |
Reactions from former Detroiters:
I actually took my aunt on a little ride through Detroit when she came here last year. She grew up near Windmill Pointe in a home with a butler and maid lol. She hadn’t been back to Detroit in roughly 35 years so a lot has changed. I drove her up Jefferson and she was shocked at the area south of Alter. She remarked that “it sure didn’t look like Dresden when I was here.” For the rest of the trip she kept telling people about how much different the sides of Alter Road were.
I took my grandfather down Heidelberg Street where he grew up. He was saddened and angered at the “art” in the area. He just didn’t get it. He said “homes are meant to be lived in, not junked on.” His house at 3670 is no longer there, but he was almost in tears. |
Bulletmagnet
Member
Username: Bulletmagnet
Post Number: 523
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 5:20 pm: | |
This thread makes me laugh! A few weeks ago, I was at Belle Isle with my family to enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon. We were strolling along the eastern shore line of the island, when we ran into some visitors from out of state. They told us they were from Salt Lake City, Utah. We gave then a warm, Detroit welcome and asked them how they liked the island. They said they didn’t realize they were even on an island until they drove around it once or twice, and they said it was beautiful. They told us that their friends had warned them prior to coming here to be very weary of us big city dwellers. They told us they were pleasantly surprised to find the people they met here to be very friendly. They asked for directions to a restaurant for a good breakfast, which we gave them, (in Greek town) and suggested that afterwards they visit our friends to the south in Windsor. Isn't it funny how perceptions can be so easily dispelled, once you've taken the time to meet with the real thing? p.s.: I told them about this website and hopefully they will become members soon. |
Dan
Member
Username: Dan
Post Number: 1405
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 6:21 pm: | |
One of my favorite “Scared visitor” experiences took place right behind the Fox. Some friends and I were throwing a football around, and a Ford Explorer pulled up, the woman had both her windows down, and asked us where she should park for a Tiger’s game. Directly next to us was a non-Ilitch lot run by a middle aged black guy named Joe, across the street was an Iltich lot run by Pakistani guy, apparently these two had an ongoing rivalry.
As soon as the woman asked the question they each ran to either side of the Explorer and started offering advice. The advice soon turned to screaming and name calling, as the two fought to convince her that their lot was superior to the others. After about 1 minute of this battle the woman floored her car, desperate to get away.
I wished I had a video camera, that ridiculous name calling and verbal explosions that occurred was hilarious. Then as soon as she drove away they both became quiet and went back to their chairs, only to stare across the street at each other with distain.
The woman was certainly terrified, and I guess justifiably so, although I know both of the guys, and knew they were not interested in hurting her, only getting her $10 for parking. |
Exmotowner
Member
Username: Exmotowner
Post Number: 288
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 6:24 pm: | |
Why is it when an outsider says they are "scared" of Detroit some of you find it laughable? It's a fact guys. A lot of folks are really afraid of Detroit. Accept that, dont scorn or make fun or blame them because they didnt use city sence. I dont think its funny at all that I had to beg my partner to come home with me and yes he was afraid. What is so funny about that? But Im sure that will somehow be construed to be my fault. Im sure it didnt have anything to do with the guy that a friend brought to our house for thanksgiving that showed my partner the bullet hole in his stomach from Detroit. Nor did it have anything to do with me telling a new friend in our circle that I was from there and is reply was "OH MY GOD I SPENT THE SCAREST F***ING NIGHT OF MY LIFE IN THAT GD CITY"! Surely we are just full of it. Come on guys get your head out of the sand. Accept that this REALLY is how a lot of people feel and work to change that (which the city as a whole is and yes I very much see that) instead of crawling their sh*t about it and automatically going into defense mode. What is wrong with saying "Wow, I hate that you feel that way. That was a long time ago, come visit now and you'll see a HUGE difference" (as I did). I dont want anyone to be afraid to come down the street to my house and if they were I would work to fix that real hard.
Now, I said that to say this, I was there last week and last weekend, what I saw was a vibrant CLEAN downtown with plenty of policemen! The people were awsome, friendly as hell and very helpful when I did have to ask something. Now that I've been back I will tell people that! Thats what you need to do, show these people that are afraid but at the same time do remind them that it is a big city, and yes it is dangerous. Keep the city going in the direction its going in now, it will be a place to visit and people will want to come back again! But people really are afraid of the D guys! I have a feeling that will change. The city looked great! I was proud to show my partner. Now just keep working on the neighborhoods. (and I see that happening also)!
Lighten up some on the folks that really are afraid and show them. |
Jjw
Member
Username: Jjw
Post Number: 317
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 6:49 pm: | |
Flying back from the Caribbean, I was seated next to a fellow who was indeed---really afraid of flying: white-knuckled and shaking. I talked to him throughout the flight and he did calm down and manage to even enjoy looking out the window a bit. Moral: it is child-like and very immature to make fun of someone's fears regardless of how irrational they may be. Usually, more damage is created. So, the folks were afraid of visiting the D; then made fun of when they made the attempt. Gee--that did a lot of good. Also, get off your high-horse about big, bad Detroit. There are people who fear many features of many cities. I was a little apprehensive on my first night in Santo Domingo. Luckily, I was with folks that eased that tension. |
Gannon
Member
Username: Gannon
Post Number: 9304
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 6:51 pm: | |
Don't get ME wrong, Ex, when I say I'm laughing...even with that first woman at Zeff's about the stainless-clad cash register...I'd be laughing WITH them after explaining how their perception couldn't be any further from my reality living here.
Each and every one of us chooses...that's right...CHOOSES how we react to anything and everything. EVEN real horror and sorrow and all that negative stuff.
I'm not sure I really WANT the overall worldwide perception of Detroit to change...not even that within the national media...maybe, just maybe not even that of the local news.
WHY?! EXACTLY because of what happened to YOU!
Surprise, we're a friendly, warm, open, and almost unbelievably fun city...IF you dare to squeak outside your previously held perceptions and try us again.
Surprise!
THIS WAY, every story that leaves by direct word-of-mouth will start with the apology, "I was expecting the worst...but the opposite happened!" (except, of course, anyone who parks anywhere near the Majestic)
Better to always exceed people's expectations, that way they are always amazed by how they are treated. It helps when those expectations are low, yanno, in case we have a bad day.
Then things are merely what they expected... |
Pam
Member
Username: Pam
Post Number: 1670
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 7:13 pm: | |
quote:They said they didn’t realize they were even on an island until they drove around it once or twice
The name or the fact that they had to take a bridge to get there didn't tip them off? |
Ray
Member
Username: Ray
Post Number: 894
Registered: 06-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 7:14 pm: | |
Its not just white people. I was at a bar last week in Palo Alto, CA talking to two middle class black guys. One guy worked as a lineman for the phone company and the other guy was in construction. They were talking about their trips to Detroit (I can't remember the neighborhood), each to visit relatives. They went on and on about how "crazy" Detroit was. I think they had net positive feelings about Detroit, but they were totally apprehensive about the crime and the blight. As one guy put it, "it was like no place on earth I had ever seen" [not in a good way].
If they had been white suburanites from Utica, I would have dismissed them as idiotic. I guess its interesting that because they were black and staying with people in the city, I found myself giving them a lot more credibility. I'm not sure what that says about me, but that's how I felt. Anyway, I'm not sure the fear and apprehension is all hysteria.
(Message edited by ray on May 29, 2007) |
Terryh
Member
Username: Terryh
Post Number: 322
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 7:26 pm: | |
Foreign countries often give their citizens travel advisories to excercise caution when traveling to the United States. Germany and Japan-both countries haveing lost citizens to US gun violence-the Japanese case happened in a lower middle class white neighborhood when shooter felt threatened by a confused Japanese man who spoke broken english while trying to ask for directions and was dressed in a halloween costume if I remember correctly. A German tourist was gunned down during a carjacking after taking a wrong turn in Miami. |
Terryh
Member
Username: Terryh
Post Number: 323
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 7:27 pm: | |
Foreign countries often give their citizens travel advisories to excercise caution when traveling to the United States. Germany and Japan-both countries haveing lost citizens to US gun violence-the Japanese case happened in a lower middle class white neighborhood when shooter felt threatened by a confused Japanese man who spoke broken english while trying to ask for directions and was dressed in a haloween costume if I remember correctly. A German tourist was gunned down during a carjacking after taking a wrong turn in Miami. |
Raggedclaws
Member
Username: Raggedclaws
Post Number: 27
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 7:27 pm: | |
What about that strapping young Woodbridge-area man yearning to be a Detroit Police Officer who deems it necessary to take a handgun and two Dobermans with him on regular strolls thru Detroit ?
Oh wait. He's a RESIDENT.
heh. Now there's a story... |
Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 2827
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 7:30 pm: | |
I've introduced two out-of-state friends here at the U in ann arbor to Detroit recently, and I think the phenomenon of low expectations actually pays off. Both like the city, and while I still have to squelch the occasional stereotypical/generalized statement, both want to see more of the city. One friend keeps wondering when he'll see the 'really bad' neighborhoods (he's seen the entire length of Charlevoix on the east side), and another friend merely quips "I went to Detroit and it's not scary at all." |
Jeffrey_thomas
Member
Username: Jeffrey_thomas
Post Number: 38
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 7:48 pm: | |
The visitor reaction I never will forget took place on a hot August Friday night about a dozen years ago at the corner of Beaubien and Jefferson. Jefferson was a parking lot bumper to bumper with the ethnic festivals etc. I was driving a service truck for a city department and was waiting for my next call at that intersection with both doors slid open when a car pulled along side of me headed sb on Beaubien. It appeared to be a mother, daughter and granddaughter they asked “Where is the Renaissance Center? ” About that time loud screaming and a stampede occurred about 20-30 people where running sb on the sidewalk into Jefferson across the stopped traffic stomping the car hoods and windshields etc. One guy ran up the steps in my panel truck and I caught his throat in my hand and He couldn’t shove me out as I was buckled in so he got shoved out instead, just as sudden as it happened calm and foot traffic restored. I looked back to the ladies who where still to the left of me and said, “When the traffic clears make a right and get all the way over to the left, the Rencen is right across the street” pointing at the building. These people looked at me like they just had an alien encounter their mouths and eyes where wide open, they locked there doors and said “thanks” rolled up there windows and I watched them hit the Lodge under the Cobo doing the proverbial “90 North” – according to a Bus driver parked behind me the stampede started when a group of young boys headed north on Beaubien decided to relieve two couples walking south on the same of their blaster and other personal belongings the only problem they ran into was both of the males pulled pistols out and then the fun began. |
Ravine
Member
Username: Ravine
Post Number: 939
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 7:53 pm: | |
I have noticed that a lot of Detroiters-- particularly in this forum-- seem unable to have positive feelings, and pride, about the city without simultaneously blocking out certain truths about Detroit. The downtown area is miles & miles ahead of where it was, not so long ago. That's great, no two ways about it. Other spots in the metro area are perking up, too, and our Mayor, despite his shortcomings, has admirable plans for the continuation of these improvements. However, Detroit is still Fucked Up, with crime, blight, and a crippled economic condition. The streets are crawling with low-life MFers who have nothing better to do than hang around pursuing, and developing, the craft of being low-life MFers. You can't stop at a gas station or party store for 90 seconds, without having to deal with assholes. The school system is a Human Tragedy. The Police Department is understaffed, overworked, and in no position to keep up with, much less make headway against, the legion of criminals who roam the city. Loving the city, and caring about it, shouldn't exclude the ability to admit that it is still in very bad shape. You can't hang out at Cliff Bell's on a 24/7 basis. Nurturing a "Downtown ROCKS!!" viewpoint is fine, but we don't all live downtown. The Real City is still shabbily dressed, and missing most of its teeth. |
Gsgeorge
Member
Username: Gsgeorge
Post Number: 143
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 10:13 pm: | |
For those of you who remember, regarding my "BANG" experience in Capitol Park: I don't think the Ohioan I was with will ever come back to Detroit.... |
Stryker81
Member
Username: Stryker81
Post Number: 41
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 10:28 pm: | |
My best story happened earlier this year. Before heading down to the auto show, my mom warned my brother and his buddies not to talk to or look directly at anyone. Keep in mind these guys are in thier early 20's, not 12. My dad still thinks you will get shot if you stop at a red light in the city. *rolls eyes* |
Sassygirl
Member
Username: Sassygirl
Post Number: 2
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 11:11 pm: | |
Picture a 60 year old suburbanite who cherry picks the news for the stories of shootings and gangs in Detroit being driven against her better judgment into the City to see Tony Bennett at the Fox by her sometimes ditzy blonde daughter in law. She's clutching her purse (which is around her neck and under her coat) the entire ride continually checking to see if the doors are locked. I promise it's a quick exit off of the expressway and I'll drop her at the door... until we stop at a light next to a black Escalade. Ditzy blonde - who wasn't hip to pimp my ride at the time - rolls down the window and furiously tries to get the attention of the driver. Mother in law is now in complete panic at the fact that the window is down IN THE CITY, screaming that we're going to be carjacked and robbed, but finally I get his attention. Excuse me sir... something is wrong with your wheel - I think it's broken, it's still spinning.
Needless to say, he's still laughing, my daughters were horrified and my Mother in law missed the whole thing scanning the surrounding area for the gang that was sure to jump in and steal her AARP card. |
Karl
Member
Username: Karl
Post Number: 7773
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 11:20 pm: | |
Sassygirl, that is too funny, LOL! |
East_detroit
Member
Username: East_detroit
Post Number: 1094
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 11:25 pm: | |
Lets perpetuate the bad with fake stories. |
Gannon
Member
Username: Gannon
Post Number: 9309
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 3:56 am: | |
During a two-week period recently I was apparently appointed direction-man without my knowledge...but no matter what my attire, from hoodied thug-wannabee (I just love the hemp hoody a friend from CA gave me a few years back) to sweaty runner, I was asked by no fewer than six strangers driving by me for directions.
Toughest was a wonderful older couple from Ontario who stopped me when I was late walking down to the Abreact theater one lonely Friday night...I had to draw a map to get them to the bridge without taking a highway, because they were pulling a fifth-wheel with their pickemup truck.
Gave them my cell number in case they got lost, and gladly took a call just before curtain time as they drove over the bridge.
It started to get weird after the fourth one in a few days, since I didn't exactly FEEL like I was exuding such deep knowledge of geography just walking down the road...but the most fun were the three black dudes who stopped me crossing Rosa Parks at Michigan who wanted to know which way Woodward and Jefferson was.
I'm SURE they were scoping me out, and if I showed any animosity or bling my story would've ended differently. Knew that the moment I followed their question with "where are you going, what are you trying to find?!" and they couldn't give me an answer. So, I laughingly told them to go forward until they couldn't any more, then take the circle around the park until they saw an opening in the buildings that pointed to Hart Plaza, then take that street...Woodward...and turn left when it ended so they wouldn't get wet.
I'll continue Blondy's school of using nice as a first line of defense...it always seems to work out right. |
Gannon
Member
Username: Gannon
Post Number: 9310
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 3:56 am: | |
quote:My dad still thinks you will get shot if you stop at a red light in the city.
I dunno, it's been a while since I've actually stopped at one. Anyone else prove his dad wrong or right at our innercity pauselights?! |
6nois
Member
Username: 6nois
Post Number: 286
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 10:37 am: | |
I stop at red lights in the city all the time, even late at night. Never got shot at. So I think that idea is disproven. |
Detroitrulez
Member
Username: Detroitrulez
Post Number: 253
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 10:48 am: | |
it's not the shooting you need to watch out for when stopping at red lights, it is the unlicensed/uninsured driver of the car that is rear-ending you that is more painful (particularly late at night). |
Kslice
Member
Username: Kslice
Post Number: 47
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 10:59 am: | |
I have no fear of moving around the city.
But last friday I stoped behind this car at a red light. Both the driver nad passenger got out and walked to the back of their car, talked for a second, the passenger got in the drivers seat and the driver walked off.
Don't know what they were doing, but made me think I was gonna get jacked for a second. |
Jeffrey_thomas
Member
Username: Jeffrey_thomas
Post Number: 39
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 1:44 pm: | |
"Lets perpetuate the bad with fake stories."
Which stories were fake East Pointe? |
Gannon
Member
Username: Gannon
Post Number: 9328
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 2:37 pm: | |
Any he chooses to not believe, I'd guess. |
Paulmcall
Member
Username: Paulmcall
Post Number: 162
Registered: 05-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 5:28 pm: | |
How about some real hilarious stories of real things happening to residents every day in the D?
This city has earned it's reputation and it's too bad things are not turning around anytime soon. |
Citychick
Member
Username: Citychick
Post Number: 11
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 6:31 pm: | |
I have a slew of hilarious real horror stories from my years of residency....but that would be for another thread... |
Ltdave
Member
Username: Ltdave
Post Number: 61
Registered: 09-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, June 02, 2007 - 4:31 pm: | |
back when Mrs Lt and i were dating, we used to go to Greektown for lunch (Dinner as my Country Dad would call it) we would then walk around. we always headed over towards the Fox and the rest of Woodward...
one of the first times walking, i couldnt remember which street angled in the correct direction and so we asked a guy which street led back to GT. he pointed us in the right direction and said "dont worry you can safely walk there, this time of day." my fiance and i both chuckled at him and thanked him for his advice and concern...
david |
Bearinabox
Member
Username: Bearinabox
Post Number: 208
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, June 02, 2007 - 4:59 pm: | |
Gannon, I don't think it's just you. I'd be hard-pressed to remember a single time walking downtown when I wasn't asked for directions at least twice. |