From 'Ruin Porn' to 'Prosperity Porn'

A new series of films about Detroit go beyond the "ruin porn" that has flooded the media in recent years and focuses on the good things happening in the city.

1 minute read

September 24, 2010, 6:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


Part of a promotion for shoes, the videos look at positive projects and groups doing work in Detroit.

"Now, from an unlikely source, comes a sweet little series of films that looks on the brighter side of Detroit. You might be surprised at the host -- Johnny Knoxville, of Jackass fame. And yes, these documentaries were produced as a promotion for trendy Palladium Boots (good for stomping around urban rubble?).

Don't let that put you off. The filmmakers move beyond what one resident calls 'ruin porn' and find people who are working to build a new Detroit."

Thursday, September 23, 2010 in Grist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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