Media has always been the window to the world for those of us who don’t get to see it ourselves.
Personally, I’ve always believed that it’s best to “see for yourself,” especially when it comes to opinions of others. I listen, file the information, and wait to make my final interpretations when I see the subject with my own eyes. This applies to many areas in my life, including relationships and locations. Over and over again I’ve learned that my opinions differ from others and that difference is often rooted in personal agendas.
The same can be said of the media stories on Detroit. I consider Detroit one of the most beautiful cities I’ve seen. I love the downtown architecture, the lakes, the parks, the suburban neighborhoods, in which each house on tree lined streets have unique character.
Detroit isn’t perfect, nor pretends to be. If it was, the city would have an entirely different vibe. Instead of citizens taking Detroit for granted, we have a strong contingent of voices singing praise and appreciation for lessons learned. Challenges bring people together to forge relationships that we’d never have the opportunity to experience if Detroit was ideal.
You and I aren’t perfect. Wouldn’t you agree that our best relationships have been built with those who understand our shortcomings, and see past them to embrace our strengths? Positive Detroiters do the same thing with their city. They see the faults but the beauty outshines any negativity. It’s frustrating when the media chooses to focus on one side of the story when there is a richer, much more interesting, tale to be told.
More people are bringing this message to the world. Here’s an audio recording by The Takeaway discussing the response to a Dateline NBC story on Detroit.
Here is a project begun by a Walled Lake Northern High School senior, Things Are Looking Up: A Book of Poetry and Art by Metro Detroiters. He’s currently looking for submissions. I know Luke personally and have always been impressed with his creativity and work ethic, I expect this book to be nothing short of awesome.
When you look out your window to the world, what do you see?
