Michigan'S 11th Annual Assisted Living Conference: Fill & Download for Free

As someone who used to live in the state for nearly three decades and now lives in Las Vegas, I can attest that it wasn’t the finest experience. While I see many reviews here lauding the state and Detroit (especially from my fellow millennials), I’m going to break ranks with them and say it’s not worth the hype. Here’s why.Number one: This state has been a hotbed for humanitarian crises over the years. I’m sure you’ve heard about the Flint Water Crisis at one point, which has become a news story covered by the likes of CNN and other outlets. But did you know that Detroit Public Schools also had problems with their water, shutting it off at one point? This goes back to an infrastructure issue that the state has had for many years. When your state continually loses population over the course of decades, that affects your tax base and the government services administered. This is especially true since Flint and Detroit lost many jobs due to stiff competition from the likes of Japan, Germany, and even within its own country (i.e. Tesla). With that, Michigan also has some of the most inept politicians around, especially with the governors. No matter if it’s Jennifer Granholm or Rick Snyder, Michigan’s top leaders always screw up. When the state only has 21% of their roads in good condition, you should expect the legislature to fix the problem. However, that isn’t the case when state legislators are advocating for Robert Saleh to become the next head coach for the Detroit Lions (Spoiler alert: He went to the New York Jets). The aforementioned problems with the Flint Water Crisis add to this, but you can also blame Detroit’s bankruptcy on this. With a loss of population, how can you properly fund to keep the lights on and grow when the mayor is paying himself handsomely along with the city council?Number two: This state has an immense cultural problem. I’m not just talking about the people that have problems with communicating, either. I’m also talking about obesity. Michigan is one of 12 states with an adult obesity rate over 35%, joining a majority of the south and parts of the midwest. While drinking soda pop and eating coney dogs seems nice, it can be devastating for your health. There’s also a bit of a inferiority complex that many residents carry. They often tout how beautiful the state is without any regard for facts on why people put the region down. You’re also S.O.L. if you have a degree and are seeking an entry-level job. I learned this immediately after college, which is a part of why I left. Another major issue with Michigan is that a chunk of the population seems socially distant. Yes, there are plenty of people here that are friendly and open. However, the zeitgeist here is to keep your head down and get back to work. Many Michiganders don’t know how to interact properly with others and often come off as angry and aggressive. Many of them need some help taking their frustration on something else. Did I mention that Michigan was the top state regarding ‘ghosting’? It’s not the best state regarding the dating scene.Number three: With the advent of Black Lives Matter raises another startling concern: segregation. It isn’t just about Detroit’s gentrification issues, either. According to a study found in USA Today, three Michigan areas ranked in the top 25 in this category (Flint, Benton Harbor, and Detroit-Dearborn-Warren). Flint’s poverty rate for blacks is 36.8%, compared to 14.3% for the white poverty rate. Benton Harbor’s black poverty rate is 39% compared to the white poverty rate being 11.4%. Metro Detroit’s black poverty rate is 29.9% compared to the white poverty rate being 10.2%. It doens’t help that Michigan’s sadly seen an uprising of hate groups in recent years. While Michigan’s comeback to a new role in America’s society has been nice, it’s been at the expense of the most vulnerable. Here, it’s basically two different worlds. It’s one world where people, namely African-Americans, struggle to get by and seek a way out. The other world is where the affluent rule, with the “Michigan Girl” marrying her well-off “prince” as they head to their suburban kingdom and forget about the surrounding problems with the state. Often, this couple says they represent Detroit or the nearby city while living in the suburb. For example, that couple might open up a dance studio or construction company and slap “Detroit” on its name. Yet, they’ll operate in surburbs like Birmingham and Ferndale, leaving cities like Detroit to not get a single cent. That’s a big problem that needs to change.While I rag on the state for being an incompetent mess, there are some bright spots. For starters, this is a solid state for non-profits. There are a large number of charitable organizations that do immaculate work, especially when it comes to animal care. There’s also the sports culture that’s world-renowned, with Michigan-Michigan State being one of the most prolific in-state rivalries around. You also have a friendly cost of living along with a cheap housing market. Michigan’s craft beer is also well-versed, with people across the country lauding their finest drinks.A good portion of Michiganders like to fancy their state as a Disney-fied fairy tale place, ripe with many benefits. However, that’s not actually the case. It’s more like a Stephen King horror novel that can drive you insane. While many expats love to laud the intangibles of the state and what it has to offer, many don’t realize there are underlying problems that run deeper. Do I sound angry while posting this? Yes I do. Am I upset at where the state’s headed and what the state’s done? Damn straight I am. To me, my birth state’s equivalent to an abusive alcoholic father. It’s cold, abrasive, and unwilling to change. In short, this is only a good state if you’re from a middle-class household at the very least and come from an affluent background. Otherwise, avoid Michigan like the bubonic plague.Here are my sources:Detroit's Public School District Shuts Off Drinking Water, Citing Lead, Copper RiskNew Adult Obesity MapsYou're not alone: Michigan is top state to talk about being ghostedDetroit, Chicago, Memphis: The 25 most segregated cities in AmericaMichigan roads still stink, and the coronavirus makes them harder to fix