Assignment: Conclusion
Posting Deadline: Thursday, March 20
Reading: Conclusion
- “Crisis: Detroit and Postindustrial
America”
Question:
After reading the
final chapter, summarize what you have learned from the book that helps you understand
why Detroit is in crises today.
Assignment - Deadline:
Thursday, March 20
A. Post two paragraphs
inspired by the study guide questions/thoughts for the week
B. Post two
separate comments to one or more of your colleagues reacting to their
paragraphs.
To me, the most striking contention of the book that helps me to understand Detroit today has to do with the too often stated myth about what led to the city’s decline. Most people, if asked, would cite the 1967 riot as the turning point in the decline of the city. However, Sugrue’s study convincingly proves the fallacy of that belief. The victims of city’s misfortunes should not be blamed, for he seeds of Detroit’s decline began in the late-1940s due to a legacy of deindustrialization, discrimination and an inability to diversify the economic base.
ReplyDeleteSoutheastern Michigan’s still has one of the most segregated housing patterns and we continue to rely too heavily on the auto industry for the region’s economic well-being. It will be difficult for Metro Detroit to move forward, if we do not heed the lessors of Sugrue’s book.
After finishing this book, I have to say the experience has been bitter sweet. The book itself was really good. It contained great details about Detroit's socioeconomics of the early-to-mid 20th century. However, the bitter part of this was to see how awful the human race can be to one another, simply because of the color of someone's skin.
ReplyDeleteAlthough many people see the Detroit Riots of 1967 as the "downfall" of Detroit, based on this book, it's clear to see Detroit's decline of prosperity was happening long before the riots began. Outlined in the book, Detroit's inability to adapt and accept change has been one of the greatest struggles in helping more the city (and region) forward.
For many people, Sugrue's book could be the much needed eye-opener to see how decisions of the past have affected the present-day we live in.
I really believe this book should be required reading for all Metro Detroit students taking a civics class, as well as executives moving to the region. It truly is a timeless study.
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