Few places offer an upbringing more unique than the Motor City. If you were lucky enough to grow up in or around Detroit, there are a few traits that distinguish you from those who came of age in other parts of the country. Here are 11 undeniable signs that you grew up in Detroit.
- You can’t stop defending the Lions, try as you might.
Flickr/Pete Sheffield No matter how many times they’ve let you down over the years, you simply can’t separate yourself from the Detroit Lions. After all, you grew up rooting for the boys in blue, and it’s going to take a lot more than a few fourth quarter disappointments to stop this dedication.
- Cold weather never bothers you.
Flickr/SJ Carey It really IS so cold in the D, and if you grew up in the Motor City, you’ve developed a thick skin that seems to guard against all sorts of weather. When the snow falls in buckets and the temperatures drop to seemingly impossible lows, you’ve even been known to venture outside without gloves. What a rebel!
- You’ve got a particular interest in the auto industry.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk After all, they don’t call Detroit the Motor City for nothing! If you grew up in Detroit, you’ve likely got a better-than-average knowledge of the automobile industry and its many ups and downs throughout the years. Perhaps you or your family members have worked at Ford or another major manufacturer. If you’re from Detroit, cars are a familiar industry.
- Canada feels like a second home.
Flickr/Ken Lund Detroit is conveniently located just a stone’s throw from the Canadian border, and those who came of age in the Motor City have certainly spent their fair share of time in Ontario. After all, the Ambassador Bridge is a true Detroit landmark, and Detroiters can’t help but feel like honorary Canadians from time to time.
- The sight of a dead octopus is second nature to you.
Flickr/jpowers65 In most cities, watching someone throw a dead octopus would be classified among the weirdest sights imaginable. Here in Detroit, though, it’s simply second nature. Most Detroiters have experienced the joys of a Red Wings game at least once, and that old octopus-throwing tradition is just par for the course.
- Faygo is basically water.
Flickr/Spam Oh, Faygo. Throughout the years, you’ve quenched the thirst of countless Detroiters, and you’ll always be loved for it. Sure, residents of the Motor City enjoy sipping on water, coffee, and other beverages, but nothing beats the sugary sweet taste of delicious Redpop. Is your mouth watering yet?
- Square pizza and coney dogs are your top two cravings.
Flickr/Eugene Kim If there’s one thing Detroiters love, it’s food. From plenty of authentic eateries in Mexicantown to all sorts of hip bars and restaurants popping up throughout the city, there’s no shortage of tasty delights to explore. At the end of the day, though, nothing beats coney dogs and delightful Detroit-style pizza. Yum!
- You’re always correcting people during “Don’t Stop Believing.”
Flickr/pverdonk This Journey classic is a favorite at weddings and other special events, but people who came of age in the Motor City often roll their eyes when it starts to play. After all, the line “Born and raised in South Detroit” couldn’t be more inaccurate. Anyone who grew up in Detroit knows that “South Detroit” isn’t a real place!
- Motown music is in your blood.
Flickr/quirkyjazz Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Aretha Franklin… the list of incredible talents continues. If you grew up in Detroit, there’s an undeniable bit of Motown Music ingrained into your body. Detroit is proud to call these artists and countless others their own, and the city’s residents can’t help but sing and dance along whenever the opportunity presents itself.
- You can defend yourself against all sorts of naysayers.
Flickr/John Getchel If there’s one thing a native Detroiter has experienced, it’s criticism. After all, those who don’t hail from the Motor City are often quick to judge it or label it based on false representations that permeate the media. Sure, our city has its fair share of serious problems, but it’s never worth throwing away.
- You’re undeniably resilient.
Flickr/Dane Despite Detroit’s struggles, it’s a city on the mend. For those who grew up in the Motor City, this sense of resilience and rebuilding has become a lifestyle rather than a trend. Detroiters know that being knocked down simply means standing right back up and creating something new and beautiful.
Tell us, Detroiters: are there any other traits that make it easy to spot someone who grew up in the Motor City? We’re always eager to hear your input, so share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Flickr/Pete Sheffield
No matter how many times they’ve let you down over the years, you simply can’t separate yourself from the Detroit Lions. After all, you grew up rooting for the boys in blue, and it’s going to take a lot more than a few fourth quarter disappointments to stop this dedication.
Flickr/SJ Carey
It really IS so cold in the D, and if you grew up in the Motor City, you’ve developed a thick skin that seems to guard against all sorts of weather. When the snow falls in buckets and the temperatures drop to seemingly impossible lows, you’ve even been known to venture outside without gloves. What a rebel!
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
After all, they don’t call Detroit the Motor City for nothing! If you grew up in Detroit, you’ve likely got a better-than-average knowledge of the automobile industry and its many ups and downs throughout the years. Perhaps you or your family members have worked at Ford or another major manufacturer. If you’re from Detroit, cars are a familiar industry.
Flickr/Ken Lund
Detroit is conveniently located just a stone’s throw from the Canadian border, and those who came of age in the Motor City have certainly spent their fair share of time in Ontario. After all, the Ambassador Bridge is a true Detroit landmark, and Detroiters can’t help but feel like honorary Canadians from time to time.
Flickr/jpowers65
In most cities, watching someone throw a dead octopus would be classified among the weirdest sights imaginable. Here in Detroit, though, it’s simply second nature. Most Detroiters have experienced the joys of a Red Wings game at least once, and that old octopus-throwing tradition is just par for the course.
Flickr/Spam
Oh, Faygo. Throughout the years, you’ve quenched the thirst of countless Detroiters, and you’ll always be loved for it. Sure, residents of the Motor City enjoy sipping on water, coffee, and other beverages, but nothing beats the sugary sweet taste of delicious Redpop. Is your mouth watering yet?
Flickr/Eugene Kim
If there’s one thing Detroiters love, it’s food. From plenty of authentic eateries in Mexicantown to all sorts of hip bars and restaurants popping up throughout the city, there’s no shortage of tasty delights to explore. At the end of the day, though, nothing beats coney dogs and delightful Detroit-style pizza. Yum!
Flickr/pverdonk
This Journey classic is a favorite at weddings and other special events, but people who came of age in the Motor City often roll their eyes when it starts to play. After all, the line “Born and raised in South Detroit” couldn’t be more inaccurate. Anyone who grew up in Detroit knows that “South Detroit” isn’t a real place!
Flickr/quirkyjazz
Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Aretha Franklin… the list of incredible talents continues. If you grew up in Detroit, there’s an undeniable bit of Motown Music ingrained into your body. Detroit is proud to call these artists and countless others their own, and the city’s residents can’t help but sing and dance along whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Flickr/John Getchel
If there’s one thing a native Detroiter has experienced, it’s criticism. After all, those who don’t hail from the Motor City are often quick to judge it or label it based on false representations that permeate the media. Sure, our city has its fair share of serious problems, but it’s never worth throwing away.
Flickr/Dane
Despite Detroit’s struggles, it’s a city on the mend. For those who grew up in the Motor City, this sense of resilience and rebuilding has become a lifestyle rather than a trend. Detroiters know that being knocked down simply means standing right back up and creating something new and beautiful.
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