Here are a few of my Detroit-related suggestions and a few of my pet peeves.
Don’t: binge on ruin porn
Not cool.
If I catch you in front of the train station taking pictures from your car, I will give you the stink eye. Taking pictures of decay is lazy, overdone and disrespectful. Your souvenir of Detroit should not be a photo of a decaying house that looks great with a filter and makes you seem cool for posting it on your Facebook. Detroit is not a blank slate. Many times, people live in the houses that you’re photographing, and your cavalier attitude adds insult to injury.
Don’t: ignore it, either.
This is New York, but you get the picture.
Yes, there are lots of amazing things happening Downtown, but Detroit is way more than that. If you really want to be a part of Detroit’s future, you need to be cognizant of its present, and unfortunately blight and poverty is a part of that. Just remember to be respectful.
Do: ask questions
Detroit resident, activist and advocate Sean Mann talks about the successes and challenges in the Hubbard Farms neighborhood where he lives in Detroit in June.
You’ll be surprised how open a lot of Detroiters become when you ask thoughtful questions. The city is full of amateur historians with great stories and even better suggestions on food, bars and hidden attractions. Often the question “How long have you lived here?” will lead to much more.
Do: say “Hi” to people
It’s rude if you don’t. Unless you’re a busy business person doing business things downtown, take a second and acknowledge the people around you. Be a part of the community.
Do: wait until the light actually turns green to go
Don’t even think about it.
This one is specifically for Detroiters. Just because you saw the light turn yellow on Woodward doesn’t mean you can inch into the intersection. Why do you do this?? Knock it off.