Urban Vignettes Week 8: Diversity is Diverse

I think that when people think of diversity, in America at least, most people point out the colors of our skin, or the languages that we speak. True, that's a part of it. But I'm not here today to talk about that. I think I touched a little on Detroit's racial composition in the first weeks, and the difference in the suburbs of Detroit. But today I want to think differently: Detroit as a city of diverse places/spaces and economic structures. 

Eastern Market on Flower Day

When I think of economic diversity (or dichotomy) in Detroit, I think of the paleterias ambulantes in Southwest Detroit contrasted with the soaring towers of the auto industry in the Renaissance Center in the heart of Downtown Detroit. What comes to mind are the stark difference between a Meijer or Kroger (major supermarket chains) and the authenticity and rawness of the Eastern Market. 

Packard Plant Spring 2012

When I think of diversity of spaces, I think of our well tended River Walk, and our deserted, overgrown playgrounds. I envision our blocks upon blocks of abandoned lots, where houses once stood, contrasted by our many historic districts. I think of the fires that constantly plague the poorest districts in town as abandoned houses are burned out of desperation, accidental fires in homes of the poor or crumbling homes and industrial buildings. While only a few blocks away are thriving neighborhoods with new developments. 

Smoke from a House Fire

I think of the spaces that are polished and kept afloat with money, and the others that are surviving on the hard work and determination of neighbors.

Skillman Foundation Office Building

A Brightmoor Community Garden & Salvaged Garage

Detroit is diverse in venues - you can go see a world class opera or orchestra performance in a hall with impeccable acoustics, or go to something like the Detroit Night Market, which operates out of the backs of moving trucks in an abandoned field.

Detroit Night Market 2012

There is no end to the possibilities that Detroit can offer. You can live in a burned out home that you've restored. You could live in a mansion owned by a former world-renowned record label owner. 

Burned Home in Corktown

The Motown Mansion

The fact is, we live in Detroit. This is the home to people, businesses, and spaces that are as diverse as our population is numerous. We are all different, and yet, we all live here together.

Sincerely,

Kaity Nicastri, Detroit Lover

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