When you go to the homicide capital of the United States, what do you bring? When I was shipping out to Detroit, I was told to bring a loaded gun and an ankle wallet.

Prior to my move to Detroit, I journeyed to Washington, D.C. to start my undergraduate career. When sending me off, my parents said to make sure I spend some time on the National Mall and to take advantage of my proximity to Georgetown. No loaded gun or ankle wallet was subtly slid my direction.

There is no denying that Detroit has a bad rap for a reason. However, although the staggering homicide count is statistically founded, the portrayals of Detroit are not. The media has done a good job berating Detroit, and using its people as helpful props to their diminishing messages (looking at you, The New York Times).

However, Detroit surprised me. Yes, Detroit still has some emasculate men that are capable of sexualizing inanimate objects (as in most cities). But, for the most part, its people are kind. I found this to be true recently. As I was sitting in Lafayette Park, calling a dear friend of mine, a man sat at the park bench across from mine. As I got up to walk around the park, the man said, “Don’t leave before I play you a song.” My fortified city-self scoffed at the man and proceeded to a picnic table at the far corner of the park. Not until I rested my bum, did the man pull out one of my favorite woodwind instruments: the flute. He subsequently impressed me with pleasing tunes. I was blown away (pun intended).

Therefore, the next time you find yourself in the city of Detroit, come with open eyes and ears, and leave the firearm at home.