Detroit Visit

This trip didn't turn out the way I had assumed it would.

I came to Detroit on my own dime to interview artists about their lives and creative process. 
First off, when you tell people you're here on vacation they look at you like you've got two heads.
But more importantly, I realized, almost immediately, that although welcoming, the people here are calloused from being documented and talked about. Detroit has become a brand, and the rest of the nation uses it to symbolize street cred. 
But that doesn't really do this city any good. They live here whether or not the name is being exploited. 
They are sick of people trying to save them or tell their story. Pain is only glamorous for so long, and if you're the one hurting it's never a show to you. 
So after my first interview, I decided to put the camera down, stop recording, and just listen. That's what felt right. It was a gift that they let me into their lives for a couple hours. I wanted to honor that. I didn't need to ask to see the blight, or steal a few more photos of their windowless mansions, or scratch down a gritty quote to take home so I look bold. 
I also learned that my life is ridiculously good. I was nicknamed "University Girl" by one of the artists and I think that sums up how gracious they were to let me presume on their time, culture and lifestyle.
Yes, I had an education, and yes, one of the artists I interviewed also had her bachelor's (even master's), but that wasn't the norm, and my definition of working hard and overcoming adversity doesn't begin to compare to theirs. 
The advice I've walked away repeating to myself is that it's ok that life set me up to be naive, but I need to remember what that means: those around me who walked through more fire are always going to have to give me grace. 
As for art, the artists I met told me to wake up early to write, drink lots of coffee, smoke, and bull shit on the phone at least once a day. 
They said they are inspired to keep working by people, by the struggle, and by money. (Sounds familiar.) 
They also told me to find community and find the pain in life. 
For what it's worth, here's my advice for people who are going to do more than just pass through like I did. Move here quietly. Settle in humbly, and then just put your hand to the plow. Keep your yard clean. Know your neighbors. And don't expect anyone to thank you for moving here. 
Detroit doesn't need your help and they don't need their picture taken. 
But they will generously talk with you over coffee and cigarettes, or a fat joint, a pint of beer, or a couple street tacos. 

It's true. Detroit Hustles Harder.