But really, it wasn't an ad trying to sell you a car (although I'm sure Chrysler would be thrilled if you bought one). No, at its heart this was an ad promoting Detroit ... the maligned, beleaguered, down-on-its-luck city of Detroit.
Here, watch it with me again and then we'll talk some more:
The narrator calls Detroit "a town that's been to Hell ...." Yeah, that's true.
I moved to one of its suburbs in 1978, the year the city was named the Murder Capital of the United States. There had been riots in 1967, with a mass exodus known as "white flight" soon thereafter. Some neighborhoods resemble war zones; I've personally walked through them, and recognized some of the skeletal remains of buildings shown in the ad. And each time a new administration has come in promising redemption, hope that something in the city might be salvaged has eventually vanished.
The last few years, in which the economy has been so dreadful, hit Michigan very hard; Detroit was dealt nearly unsurvivable blows. Businesses closed down, and General Motors even required a government bailout in order to survive. Unemployment in Detroit has officially been as high as 30%.
And yet ... the complete line of narration in the video says that Detroit "is a town that's been to Hell and back." Those last two words are critical.
In the middle of the ad, shining in the midst of all the grit and grime and gloom that is admittedly a very real part of the city, you see the gleaming, golden Spirit of Detroit statue, with rays of light shining forth.
There is a definite resurgence in the city, a faith that Detroit has suffered enough and will regain its former glory. And to me, at least, it seems as though food is leading the way.
Slows Bar-B-Q -- only 5 years old -- has been named one of the country's best barbecue spots by Bon Appetit and been featured on the Travel Channel's Man vs. Food. Its owner, Phil Cooley, is a tireless supporter of Detroit and has stated: "We need a strong urban core that's going to attract people to stay and create."
Avalon International Breads is a phenomenon with a small and immensely popular storefront in the heart of the city. The bakery (which is open, so that you can watch the staff at work creating treats like my personal favorite -- the Dexter Davison Rye Bread) supports urban farming initiatives and buys local and organic foods to the greatest extent possible.
Then there is the Hockeytown Café, named "No. 2 Sports Bar in America" by ESPN2 ... those are folks who know their stuff! And the Bucharest Grill is a destination for "hipsters and townies," according to The Detroit News, despite not even having a sign out front to advertise its abundantly generous servings of traditional Romanian cuisine.
But there are also the long-time standbys -- the ones who didn't flee, the ones who've stood by the city that welcomed them.
There's Xochimilco [so-shuh-MIL-koh], one of my favorite restaurants, offering some of the best authentic Mexican food there is. The Lafayette Coney Island, where I used to eat lunch with my friends each day when I spent a summer working in downtown Detroit, received a rave review from Roadfood.com. Greektown -- a strip filled with fabulous restaurants and bakeries -- was always a destination for Jeremy's birthday when he was younger, after a trip to the Auto Show and a ride on the People Mover (an above-ground railway).
We are reminded that "It's the hottest fires that make the strongest steel." Detroit has been through the fire -- figuratively and also literally. But the strength and resilience of its people are investing the city with a renewed energy and another chance at life.
Every day, there are people who sustain Detroit both with food and with "their hard work and conviction," as the ad proudly proclaims. This is the spirit of Detroit.
This is the Motor City.
18 comments:
Excellent post. I think it's just become fashionable to hate Detroit, frankly. All major cities have had their periods of drama--New York, LA, Chicago, all of them. Detroit will bounce back. Partly because frankly it has an amazing food scene---don't forget about Mexican town with its incredible tamale makers and bakeries. And I live for Eastern Market in the summertime.
And in addition to that, Detroit has great culture. The DIA alone is, in my opinion, a state, if not national, treasure. Plus the Film Institute, the Science Museum, the Fox Theatre, the Opera House. It's a great city. I hope more people realize it.
What a great post! And I really enjoyed the commercial you featured too. There are so many quintessentially "american" things from and going on in Detroit. You did the city a great deal of justice here :)
I've known quite a few people from the Detroit area and they are all like you.. very proud of what they have, who they are. I think that is fantastic! Detroit has seen a lot of down but it's never been truly out and that's what counts! Great commercial!
What a great tribute! This is the first time that I've seen that commercial. After viewing it and reading your post, I'd love to visit. All that I've seen is the airport so far. Thanks, Mary!
Wonderful post, Mary. I agree with Lauren--I think people just jump to the Detroit jokes, whether they have actually been there or not. Let's hope that is turning around.
We people from Michigan are made of tough stuff :) That commercial was extremely well made. It is my sincere hope that Detroit can rally and become the powerhouse that it once was.
I like the personal touch here, Mary. Sounds like you've got your finger on the pulse of the city, when you can get there. I've spent many Saturdays and Sundays taking photos all around the place; you can find real beauty everywhere. I've eaten at Slows - good is a gross understatement. And, by the way, I loved the ad too. It gave me goose bumps :)
I have heard so much bad news about Detroit over the past few years, that it's really nice to hear some good things! Why is it that the title of your post immediately conjured up the Mamas and Papas?
I thought the commercial was beautifully done, but felt a little iffy about Chevrolet being the sponsor. Detroit does have a lot going for it, especially with the urban farming movement and places like Slows. But that's no thanks to Chevy. Just for an alternative perspective, here's the write-up the commercial got in Mother Jones: http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/02/chrysler-deplorable-detroit-super-bowl-ad
I wouldn't go so far as to say "deplorable," but I did think it was at least darkly ironic.
I waited and waited and waited. And nada. Where was the part about how HOT HOT HOT Marshall Mathers was in this post? He freaking made that commercial. He also represents someone who has been to hell and back and has come back so damn sexy I would like to lick him up and down. There was nothing about Marshall on the menu. What is wrong with your tastebuds, eyesight, what? Are you trifocals not working right???? This post seriously needs an addendum. I am appalled. And crying in my laptop.
One last thing. MM is freaking beatiful. "This is the Motor City and this is what we do." Priceless. He is just yummy.
fabulous post and the commercial was pure genius!
Enjoyed your post!
May all your gardens grow!
Jan
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Beautiful post Mary. Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
Great post! I visited Detroit back years ago for a Blues/Wings game and thought it was a great city! Lots of history!
Such a moving commercial - and moving post. Really ... the coolest.
Hi, I'm a new follower. I found you through the Cupid's Friend blog hop. Sounds like you know and love your city well.
I hope you'll visit my site also. http://www.cherishedhandmadetreasures.blogspot.com/
Have a great day!
Sandy
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