Epilogue: Now and Then
In Chapter 22, David Maraniss recounts President Johnson's famed speech outlining "The Great Society" - his domestic vision for the United States. Delivered at the 1964 University of Michigan spring commencement, his plan called for government to serve as an important partner in addressing urban and societal ills, including health, education, housing and economic disparities among Americans.
In contrast to the optimistic/forward looking tone of the former chapter, the Epilogue taps into a more pessimistic view of Detroit as he puts forth a narrative of decaying neighborhoods and the untimely deaths of its civic, business and spiritual leaders, as well as Motown Record's abandonment of the city.
Today, what view of Detroit's future do you ascribe to?
First, write a response to the question. Then, comment on at least two responses by your colleagues.
Since Christianity informs my view of life, I choose to live as an optimist. Thus, I choose to believe Detroit’s best days lay ahead. Yes, the city still faces many of the same serious societal issues LBJ sought to address with his government programs over 50 years ago. However, I believe there are signs the city is moving in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteAt the city’s core are the lifers. I do not use this term in a pejorative sense. Lifers are people who have grown up and continue to live in the city. They are Detroit’s self-appointed guardians and culture bearers. Then, there are the idealistic and educated under 40 cohort who are returning to the city or are newcomers. They feel they can and are making a difference in building a more diverse and viable urban tapestry. You can see signs how pockets of economic vitality are encouraging other entrepreneurs to take a chance on Detroit. Finally, I don’t know how it will affect the average person, but I am pleased all three major sports teams will play in Detroit next year. I am hopeful I will be around long enough to see the renaissance of Detroit take hold throughout the city.
I can see it that way Dr. Anderson, but I choose to look at the city in the way of balance. There is a lot of good that will come to the city and its beginning in small doses. At the same time, those actions will cause negativity from natives of the city and cause a bit of push back. But from that can come change and I think that if people are optimistic and positive, that change will come. Like you, Im glad all four of our sports teams are within the cities limits and am looking forward to seeing more prosperity in the city, I just dont want to see it stop at Grand Boulevard.
DeleteBecause I believe in the idealism that what can happen, will happen, Im openly optimistic that the city is not what people claim it to be. I see great changes coming to the city and im happy about alot of them. There are some (QLine Rail only going to Grand Boulevard) that im not excited for. But I believe that if this city is going to be prosperous again, people outside and inside the city need to completely change their mindset on this city.
ReplyDeleteI have seen too many people complaining about things about the city that live inside the city. I personally believe that people that these people are mad that they cant be apart of the change, but the problem is that they dont see they can be, if they change their mindset on this. Hopefully this happens sooner than later.
I can understand why some Detroiters feel disenfranchised from the success that some people are experiencing, especially the newcomers. It is well-known that banking institutions and other lenders have a history of discrimination in regards to dealing with people of colors. So, when it seems like the newcomers are receiving offers not available to long-time city residents, I can certainly understand why there are hard feelings about the process.
DeleteI am good with the Q-Line. All great things have to begin somewhere. I think the Q-Line will help to regenerate a number of neighborhoods and bring property values in the city up.
DeleteI think Detroit is on a positive trajectory. However, I don't think the city will ever reach the heights of the late 1950's and early 1960's. I think the city will continue to gentrify and that will actually be a good thing. A more overall diverse population in the city would be very beneficial to its continued rebound. I am not as tied to Detroit being a Black city as I am a safe and thriving city.
ReplyDelete