Comments on: Detroit and ruin porn

By: uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:12:41 +0000

Social comments and analytics for this post…

This post was mentioned on Twitter by ltmayers: Who else is tired of Detroit ruin porn? http://tinyurl.com/yc64gjq…

By: Vince

Vince — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:00:59 +0000

Take heart! There is a budding wave of entrepreneurs and lovers of these buildings growing up. I have been “UrbExing”, or exploring, some of these buildings with photographers and friends. There is a true love and passion for the city of Detroit that burns within the hearts of my generation. The destruction and ruin isn’t photographed (by this generation) to bring shame to Detroit – it’s to try to show the beauty of what once was, and what we believe will in our lifetimes be again. I know many many people who are disgusted by the idea of demolishing MCS. They aren’t upset because they like the neglected relic. They’re upset because the truly see the potential in that revolutionary building and want to be a part of restoring it, and the city, to and beyond it’s former glory. They want to see Michigan Central Station stand as not the symbol of the city’s downfall, but as the new symbol of Detroit’s comeback – one built upon alternative energy, big ideas, and a a passion for our home. There is hope. There is want. We need to unite and take action.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:50:15 +0000

I absolutely know what you mean about the power of the images. It’s just that now that I’ve moved to DC, the ruin is all anyone knows about Detroit. I went to a neighborhood gathering a couple of weeks ago, and everyone mentioned the Time cover story and the ruin photos. One guy actually walked away after I argued that, you know, there are new, vibrant parts of the city, two new sports stadiums, etc. The desolation is just too easy a story.

By: Becks Davis

Becks Davis — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:35:27 +0000

I’m kind of torn on this subject.

I hate that the pictures of Michigan Central Station are now a symbol of Detroit. As you said, these buildings were abandoned a long time ago.

On the other hand, I’m drawn to these buildings. And as someone that is interested in photography and Detroit history, I want to experience them as they are now. I’ve been meaning to feature them on my blog and I would love to go inside MCS & explore the Packard plant.

Does that make me a hypocrite? Probably.