So here I am in Phoenix on business, where I recently came back from dinner. On our way out of the restaurant, we asked the hostess to call a cab for us. After I jokingly told her we were toasted, I then explained that we were sober, but didn't have a rental car to get back to the hotel. She asked us where we were from, and I proudly said, "We're from Detroit." She didn't seem very impressed; in fact, she seemed somewhat put off. My co-worker asked why I said we were from Detroit and not Michigan. I said that I'm not ashamed to be from the Detroit area. Few people outside of the Detroit metro area know where Royal Oak is, so there's no point in saying that. As a native Clevelander, (not a North Olmsteder), I tell people I'm originally from Cleveland because I'm proud of that also, and nobody knows where my suburb is anyway.
So, the point of this post is to advocate that you all tell people you're from "DETROIT" whenever you travel. If you mention a suburb and then apologetically address the confused looks by explaining that you live in Detroit, then you're perpetuating a negative image of the city. If we are confident about our city, it will help change perceptions. If people react negatively, be tough. That's part of what makes us resilient Detroiters to begin with.
- Atul
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