You know, the Flint, Michigan of Michael Moore's 'Roger & Me' fame. The place that, according to the FBI, is the most dangerous city America. No city with a population over 100,000 had a higher violent crime rate than Flint did in 2011.
http://247wallst.com/2012/06/11/the-most-dangerous-cities-in-america-2/
FBI statistics show the following for Flint in 2011:
- population: 102,357
- median income: $22,672
- unemployment rate: 18.9%
- 23.4 violent crimes per 1000 people (2392 incidents total)
- 52 murders
Last year, Flint had the second-highest murder rate, and the highest rates of aggravated assault, burglary, and arson in the nation
Grim, I know. People were (and still are) horrified that I moved here; and they aren't shy about letting me know it.
But here's the thing: I've been in Flint for ten years now, and I like it here. There are regular, good people here (I'm one of them) and there are great things going on; only nobody ever hears about any of it because, as is the standard for American journalism, only the ugly and horrible gets press.
This blog is partly in response to my friends and relatives who are constantly dogging me about living here (and I'm looking right at YOU Law Turner); and partly just because I want to do it.
I want to write about what it's like to be an average, ordinary person living an average, ordinary life in a city with, unarguably, one of the worst reputations in the country. Yes, it's challenging to live here, but it also has its rewards.
Ah. I sense some skepticism. Skepticism can be good, but just remember this (and this is one of my favorite quotes - one I try to live by):
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." (Herbert Spencer)Put aside the skepticism and the contempt. Open your mind and follow (vicariously) as I live the 'good life' in Flint. You may be suprised at what you'll discover.
Flint (city) QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
Until next time,
Robin in Flint
