Thank you for sharing your visit to Detroit, and thank you for your probing eyes and mind that investigated more than just the urban decay.

I was born in Detroit because my parents sought to do some community development work following the riots. I have seen a number of photo exhibits of the type you mention. I value the eyes through which you share because to some, such pictures have become known here on the West Side of Michigan as “Decay Pornography.” I am a historian and I am deeply pained when I see some of the photographs, particularly Central Station, which a state planner has told me can never be restored due to Asbestos. But as a friend reminded me, “these are just human creations.”

OTOH: I have been rejoicing these last few years to hear little stories of little restorations (resurrections?) among those who remain in the City. I think your post has been just the kick that I need in order to actually visit Detroit and see some of what you have seen so that I may rejoice in hope, even as I mourn the losses.

Peace,
Randy Gabrielse

You wrote:

”
“What are these people doing,” some taunt, “don’t they have a job?“

“Couldn’t they find something better to do, like volunteering at a soup kitchen or picking up trash on the street?”

Betrayed in *these kinds of sentiment*, of course, is the notion that for people to be of any value, they have to be economically productive citizens. They need to contribute to the economy, to the bottom line, to what makes our society tick.”

No, that just isn’t true. Yes, some of the people, the first kind you mention, might fall into that category. Of assuming that only those economically productive have worth.

But that second idea is precisely not about being economically productive. I can’t blame someone for looking at the vast energy consumed at these encampments, and wondering “What if they did something, right now, to directly aid the homeless, the hungry and the indigent? Or what if they were focusing on preaching the message of Christ during their many peoples mic sessions?”

Instead, we have large swathes of children angry at their student loans, smaller contingents of people talking about killing the rich, large numbers of employed people asking for higher taxes, or a living wage, or whatever. The many who say they aren’t for violence “yet.” Those complaining about all the homeless folks who keep coming — night after night — for a meal.

Yes, there are many, many decent folks there.

But please don’t forget that these people are as flawed as any others. Their motives range from terribly selfish, to mostly selfless. They are certainly not beyond critique, and it’s ridiculous to assume that every critique is motivated by a love of the World or a love of money.

I smell an idol, and that idol is utopian socialism.