Monday, September 28, 2009

What's it really like growing up in Flint, MI?

My daughter has started her own blog. She's 12 and spends most of her time writing anyway - no, seriously. We have three or four computers in this house and in total, she probably has 100 unfinished stories - and that is not counting the many, many spirals she has filled with her thoughts, her opinions, her fan fiction, her teen romance marvels. It's incredible. I keep pushing for her to get even ONE of them finished so we can sell it. There is little doubt in my mind that she will earn FAR more money as a writer than her mother ever did.

Her blog, "Growing up in Flint, Michigan," will likely feature many thoughts very normal for a soon-to-be teen in any city in America. I suspect she'll mention Glee and the brothers Jonas; she'll likely yap about school though keeping location unidentifiable.

And friends.

And love.

And maybe that will be the most telling thing about her blog, that kids growing up in Flint aren't necessarily experiencing the shootings, the crime, the drugs - the fear that too many adults have come to accept after hearing the news or the gossip at the Rite Aid down the street.

Not that she or any of her friends are unaware of the dangers. They can't help but hear the sirens throughout the night, learn of the double shootings just 10 miles from their homes. My daughter doesn't exactly live in the war zone of some of her friends; some of her friends undoubtedly hear gun shots regularly at night. In fact, it's fairly certain that some have suffered some form of emotional and/or physical abuse in homes where families are losing medical insurance, jobs and homes. At her young age, she already has learned of two others her age who have taken their own lives.

Living in Flint, Michigan, ain't your Father's Oldsmobile!

I guess that's why I think she has something to say that is quite likely different from what Michael Moore has said, as an adult, drawing from the memories of when he was 12 instead of being 12. I don't fault his memory, mind you, I just think the potential for a new fresh perspective from the mind(s) of our youth could be telling, if not interesting, if not helpful ... if not fun.

I'm looking forward to reading her thoughts - and helping her spend her money if she ever finishes even one of those blasted stories eating up space on my computer!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

september 29 2009
Flint
3 shots fired in vehical bad drug deal.20 and 21 victims 40 45 suspects 3 white males who will shed the tears.No matter how much i hate the game i love it as much at the same time.
when they do get me
Forever R.I.P shane B
Young thugs.Why dead at 20?

Anonymous said...

Love it.I am sure her blog will be great.Following in the foot steps of her very talented Mother.

Cin said...

I stumbled upon you looking for Twitter peeps for my real estate biz, but I'm keeping you for my personal biz instead! Flint blogger with a daughter who writes and mentions Elvis on Twitter? Oh yeah. Keeping you for myself ;-)

Diane said...

I want to read it! Where do I find it?

Diane said...

I want to read it! Where do I find it?

Anonymous said...

I love your Oldsmobile line! YOU are the brilliant writer--slm

Anonymous said...

Well Sue,once again you capture me with your words and wit. I love to read you! Think of you often- Larry was up your way last week and tried to call but no one answered, he thought you might have been to cottage. His mom is ailing...love you, Sharon

Gordon Young said...

Sounds great...what's the web address?

Anonymous said...

Here is the link to her blog:
Growingupinflint.blogspot.com

Should have posted it with the story!!

Anonymous said...

You have really great taste on catch article titles, even when you are not interested in this topic you push to read it

Anonymous said...

Do you have copy writer for so good articles? If so please give me contacts, because this really rocks! :)