10 Struggles Everyone In Detroit Can Relate To
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
While those of us who reside in the Motor City are certainly proud of our hometown, we can’t pretend that our lives are without difficulties. After all, Detroit has endured more than its fair share of ups and downs throughout the years. Here are ten unique struggles that everyone from Detroit can surely relate to.
For the last time, South Detroit isn’t the real name of a neighborhood in our city! We know, we know: you’re heard it mentioned in "Don’t Stop Believing," but trust us when we tell you that it’s just a lyric. If we were actually to send you to South Detroit you’d end up smack dab in the middle of the Detroit River.
It’s tough to imagine an experience more bone-chilling than wintertime in Detroit. Temperatures drop, our city feels grey throughout, and snow makes its appearance with unbelievable force. Sure, we’re accustomed to this weather, but that doesn’t’ mean we always enjoy it!
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Those of us who live in the Motor City are all too familiar with the pain and disappointment that comes along with rooting for the Detroit Lions. With countless fourth quarter slip-ups, seemingly innumerable missed field goal opportunities, and all sorts of silly losses, the Lions have let us down one time too many.
While some might see this as a struggle, we think of it more as a blessing in disguise. After all, Detroit is overflowing with fantastic eateries, and there’s something here to satisfy each and every craving. With everything from gyros to coney dogs, you’ll have a tough time choosing a dinner spot in the Motor City.
Potholes? You think your city has potholes? Wait until you see what we’re accustomed to driving on. The highways surrounding Detroit seem to exist in a constant state of construction, and there’s nothing more frustrating that being held up by rerouted traffic. As if that weren’t bad enough, our beloved cars often suffer the consequences of poorly maintained roads.
For out-of-towners, the word "Gratiot" might not be immediately pronounceable, but it can be done with enough practice and a bit of common sense! Here in Detroit, we’re used to hearing people butcher this street name — and it can certainly be a bit annoying to hear "Gray-tee-oat" for the millionth time.
Is there anything worse than falling victim to a killer stomach ache, only to realize that you’re completely out of Vernors? After all, we Detroiters know that Vernors is the end-all and be-all when it comes to easing nausea, and we can rarely bring ourselves to try any other form of medication. Pepto Bismol must be taken only in the most extreme circumstances.
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You know the scene: you’re chatting with a new acquaintance who seems thrilled to meet someone who’s also from Detroit. When you ask where they’re from, they smile and reply, "Farmington Hills." Sigh. While we have nothing against the suburbs, we certainly feel frustrated when non-Detroiters try to claim our city as their own.
It’s no secret that Detroit has been the target of endless negativity throughout the years. Our economic and social woes have often made us the laughingstock of our state and country, and this trash talk is enough to deeply upset us. After all, we’re proud of our city — despite its difficulties and scars.
While we often try to let the aforementioned negativity roll off our backs, it’s certainly not easy to maintain a positive spirit each and every day. Here in Detroit, we pride ourselves on resilience, but that doesn’t mean we always feel like putting up a fight for our city. Despite our best efforts, many of us struggle to keep on happy faces in the midst of endless negativity.
Tell us, fellow Detroiters: what are some other struggles you’ve faced during your tenure here in the Motor City? We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.
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