Ecorse, Michigan

Ecorse is a small mining town where everyone knows everyone, or something about someone, but no one really knows anyone. People might know about the new pastor of a neighborhood church, or about the lady who's husband is fooling around, or whose son is on drugs or selling drugs, or the class valedictorian who is doing great with her new high-paying job, or who married so-and-so. If a person knows that much about the details of another person's life, why not take it a step further, and get involved in his or her life? But, where I'm from, that would be too much like doing the right thing.

Sure, we see people we know, we say hello and wave, engage in polite conversation, but as soon as we get home, we talk to our friend or family member. "Guess what? Joan's husband left her!" As if that's good news. If I was on the receiving end of the that conversation, I'd say, "That's too bad. Maybe you and I can make dinner for her and her children and bring it to her tomorrow." I'm sure that would kill the conversation immediately. Besides, we shouldn't get involved in other people's business! Why mess with the system?

Am I bitter? No, not at all. I'm just realistic. My town is somewhat of a dysfunctional family. The relationships in it are based on factual information, not intimacy. Everyone knows that there is a problem, but why mess with a way of doing things, if its been that way for years? If someone does decide to speak up, they could be labeled a traitor, or much worse a lunatic. Who wants that?

So nothing changes. People do what I like to call "skinning and grinning," or pretending everything is alright knowing that something is terribly wrong. But this is home. This my family. And you can't choose what family to be in. Besides, I think that people aren't like that all of the time. No one's perfect.

A family is made up of every person in it, and I tend to believe that about towns, too, especially small ones. Every person, personality, or decision contributes to the identity of it. I grew up here, I was somewhat of a celebrity here because I was an honor student and class valedictorian. Unfortunately, now I'm unemployed, and had to move back in with my parents to get on my feet. But one day I'll do something great. I just know it.

But anyway, based on my views about towns, it looks like I've helped make Ecorse what it is. Like most people who live here, they either exist, love it, or love to hate it. For me, it changes depending on what day of the week it is. But it's home.

Cenceree E

Submitted: Wednesday 25th February 2004, 8:40 PM

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