Reflecting on Where I Live

The most surprising fact I learned about Detroit from this course is its rich history and the achievements over the years. I always looked at Detroit as a ghetto and poor city that is filled with crime and poverty. I always looked at the negative side of it and criticized it. I never looked beyond the surface or deeper into its past. I always visualized it as a ruined area that was chaotic and miserable. However, in this course I learned the history of it and how prosperous it used to be. I learned all the significant landmarks in the city which I wasn't aware of many of them. I now feel amazed that the city is still pulling it through and is still able to hold important events, shows and festivals. I always looked at it from a negative perspective and I was blinded. I'm glad that I was taught all these and assessed a profound knowledge. I now acknowledge the other side of the city and this is insightful. I believe there is a lot others like me that look at Detroit as only a poor and derelict. I gained such negative views from media and the perceiving of abandoned or burnt down buildings.

My Campaign

If I was assigned a job to do a campaigns for any city, I would choose Dearborn. The reason I would choose it is because there are lots of things going on in the city. First in my campaign, I would use the Arab clubs as an attraction for tourists to allow them to be part of the Arab culture. This is a new experience for them and indeed different. They can try the Middle Eastern cuisine, listen to Arabic music and are challenged to belly dance. I would also use the Arabic Festival that is held annually. The reason I would use this because it also allows outsiders to learn about the Arab culture varying from traditional costumes and live entertainment. This allows tourists to get closer to the culture and be part of it. 

My Four Different Communities

I belong to many communities that mean a lot to me and I feel very connected to each of them. The first community I belong to is Walgreens, since I've been an employee for two years. Co-workers and managers became part of my family and we are very close. We joke around and have a lot of fun working together which makes our relation not formal. The other community I belong to is the Arab community since I originated from it. I was always part of it because I was born into it and a lot of what I learned is from it. The third is the Muslim community because it defines who I am and my own beliefs. I was also born into this community and it is part of my everyday life because my religion is within me. I am also considered part of the American community because I grew up in it and it shaped some of my personality. I became part of this community years ago and I never feel like im not part of it. I never had any boundaries because I lived here enough in order to blend in well with it

Public Art Project

If I had to propose a large scale public art project for metropolitan Detroit without thinking of the budget then I would expand the art project in more areas. The first thing I think of this project that it belongs in Downtown Detroit; In its own space. This project is about a huge scale screen that is definitely flat and thin (almost like a television screen). This screen will feature a variation of images created by artists and on weekends by people of the community; they can share their art and feel they are part of this project. The images will actually move so it will create a sense that it is alive.

The images must have an action because the screen will spray people with water. Therefore, the water should be part of the story presented in each image. The change of images and contribution of residents within community, will keep people wanting to come back so they can enjoy being sprayed and also see the new image. The water can change colors depending on colors of image; this also allows people to experience something new everyday.

Since this project has no budget, then I can include another screen with the same idea, but instead throws paint and plays music. I can as well consider including a smaller version of this project in parks. My project is fun and entertaining; it is designed for all ages and for families to spend time together. This idea will attract tourists and people anxious to see it. This project can't get old and boring because there is always a new image with different colors and music. Also, the screen only plays twice daily for about an hour each. I seen a similar idea as mine before, but my project has variety and extras. I think this will definitely be an amazing art project for Detroit and it will succeed. 

My Favorite Blog Post

The most interesting blog in my opinion belongs to Ali Saad ''Ali's Blog'' with the blog post of '' Hi I'm Ali, I'll Be Your Tour Guide!''
The reason I choose this blog is because Ali mentioned Dearborn as a place on his tour list. I liked how he thought of allowing visitors to learn about the Arab culture in which I belong to as well. I also enjoyed how he had a sense of humor which made me laugh.

My Envisioned City

If I had the job of building a new neighborhood, I will definitely choose a farmland. I will design it just as I would want it for me. I am a lot into the life of farms and the simplicity of it. I would have single family farmhouses that have modern style, but yet simple and not very sophisticated. Residents should be farmers or people who enjoy such life. In my farmland, residents are not permitted to neglect their land. Residents will have to take care of their land by cleaning, cutting and fertilizing grass and even plant if they wanted to. Indeed, residents are allowed to raise any kind of domestic animals and cattle. In my city, I will have an elementary and high school for the children of the residents. I will also include a church and a mosque for residents with diverse religion. At night, I will sure have some fun activities for residents; such as horse and bull racing. The fresh vegetables and fruits produced by the farmers are sold daily in the city's only market. The city wont be gated and it will all be open space so people can feel free.

5 Official Sites in Detroit

If I was giving an insider’s tour of the Detroit area, my tour will focus on the official sites that everyone should see. I think Detroit has a variety of different events or sites that fulfill the interest of all tourists and entertain. There is a lot to choose from because the city is enriched with the attractions it offers. Number one on my list would be the Fox Theater because its one of the oldest and most successful. Fox Theater was restored in 1988 and it is considered the largest palace in Detroit. The architecture of the building is stunning. Fox Theater offers the best musical concerts and performances from different cultures. I had been couple of times there to attend concerts for international celebrities. The second choice on my list would be the Henry Ford Museum because it is indeed important. I think its a great way to educate tourists of Detroit's glory history. Tourists can explore around thousands of automobiles, airplanes,trains, aircraft and bicycles.; they can learn about the significance of the automobile revolution. The Museum also features IMAX Theater which can entertain tourists. The third on my list would be the Comerica Park; the home of Detroit Tigers. Comerica Park also held several concerts that featured lots of famous celebrities such as Eminem. MGM Casino would definitely be on my list because it is the first Las Vegas style to open in Detroit. I know the Casino has nothing to do with history, but Detroit is known for offering casino resort hotels. The fifth choice would be the International Auto Show which is held annually. The first auto show in Detroit was in 1907 so this is a traditional event. Interestingly, the auto show helps raise money for charities.

The Glorious Side of Egypt

Being a Middle Eastern, I watch constantly Arabic movies or series' which can vary from Lebanese, Egyptian, Moroccan and much more. Egyptian movies focus most of the times on a Sharm Al Sheikh city because of its beautiful landscapes. This city is located on the Red Sea and it has warm high temperatures all year. Most of the movies are filmed there because it's a great location and background. Sharm Al Sheikh is shown as a city that's always full of tourists from all around the globe. Also, It's shown as a place for couples to spend a great time on the beach or on an island. Directors usually focus on the magnificent resorts, natural landscapes and architectural buildings. Another important factor is the nightlife and showing indoor or outdoor parties. Last thing that is shown a lot is the different types of activities that are available. Actors and actresses are often filmed scuba diving, snorkeling or boating. After all, the way the city is presented in movies is a key factor in promoting tourism. The city allows viewers of different origins to see the beautiful side of Egypt rather than the busy streets, old buildings or poverty which is dominate. I sure would love to visit this city and spend a vacation there because it looks fun and interesting. What makes it special is I can visit it any time of the year and enjoy the great weather

My Dream Vacation

             If I could spend a week in any city in the world, I would spend it in Caney, Texas. I always wanted to live in a farming city. I dream some day of having my own ranch farm and raise lots of horses. I totally enjoy this life style and believe it is very nourishing for mind and body. The ideas of farms and cowboys were always an attraction for me. My positive ideas about this city came from my boyfriend; he moved to Caney city two years ago and he loved it. He keeps telling me that I should move there also because I will definitely enjoy it. I recently applied to Miss Lebanon Pageant and I met contestants from Texas also. They were from different cities, but they described it amazingly which motivated me more. The television and media were also a source of mine. I watched some movies or clips which showed landscapes in Texas that were breathtaking. This city would be my dream vacation or even a city I would settle forever in.

Interview

            The person I interviewed for my paper was a co-worker who I will name Amanda . We had a long conversation and that gave me an insight about her life in Detroit and her thoughts. I worked with Amanda for about two years, but we haven't been in details about her childhood or her experience of Detroit. When we had the interview, I learned a lot about her and her life. There were many differences between us and some were crucial. Amanda was born and lived in Detroit; her family were residents of Detroit also. However, I was born and lived some of my life in Lebanon. I've been thirteen years in the states and ever since I've been living Dearborn. I do have though some information because i'm close to the city and I met lots of people from there. She mentioned some struggles growing up and some financial issues. Even though Amanda lived in Detroit, but she actually worked in Dearborn because there are more job openings. In my next paper, I will be more detailed about her experience and the discussion between us. The questions that I had in mind were why did she stay in Detroit after working in Dearborn? What is it that makes her very connected to the city?

Reality of Detroit

            One of the most common images of Detroit city that i remember was part of the song Welcome to Detroit city by Eminem. The video almost entierly took place at a ghetto club in Detroit. The video does not show images of the city, but rather focus on the social issues. The song addresses the idea of how the city is famous for having a gangster life style. Even though the clip does not allow the viewers to visualize areas in city. However, the clip was realistic in the sense of portraying the typical life. Most of the clubs in Detroit are usually runned by gangsters; who stand up for one another. The song along with the clip show a realistic image of how Detroit city is and how some areas are controlled by certain groups of people. I do agree with the idea that Eminem was trying to discuss and i think it was very accurate in its facts.

          In my opinion, the song has both positive and negative concepts of being part of such life. The positive side is how gangsters defend each other in crucial times. The negative side can be the danger or risks that they experience daily. I applaud Eminem for always focusing on the bad side of our culture because it allows others to acknowledge the responsibility of their decisions throughout their life. The media's role is to make teens aware of the consequences of violence and crimes. Sometimes it is offensive for people to watch others criticize their city, but its not right either to fabricate the reality.