🇺🇸 Detroit: My "Black Guy Desensitization" Journey

Attended a conference here Oct 1-5, and booooy was I nervous—Detroit ranks with St. Louis and Baltimore as America’s "most dangerous" trio. 🚖 First Shock: The Uber Warning Driver’s golden rule: “Stay in the downtown red square (see pic), or it’s… complicated.” 🟥 🌇 Day vs. Night Paradox Daytime: Eerie emptiness—abandoned buildings, homeless queues at churches. Like a post-apocalyptic film set. Nighttime: Lights on, bars buzzing—suddenly feels safe and lively (before 10 PM, obviously). 👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏾 Cultural Immersion 80% Black population—from hotel staff to street crowds. At first, I was on edge. By Day 5: I was strolling solo at night, phone-free—full Detroit mode activated. 🏭 Ford Factory Field Trip Detroit’s glory days vibe hit hard—Ford was the Elon Musk of the 1900s. Our robotics conference’s choice to host here (vs. Kyoto last year, Abu Dhabi next) felt… ironic. 🛴 Pro Tip: Lime Scooters = Safety Hack $12 day pass = zooming past sketchy spots like a local. “It makes me feel safe, bro.” #DetroitDiaries #AmericanDystopia #BlackCulture #TravelUnfiltered 🏙️🤷‍♂️