Rollin: The Fall of the Auto Industry and the Rise of the Drug Economy Detroit (2016)

Rollin: The Fall of the Auto Industry and the Rise of the Drug Economy in Detroit is a 2010 documentary that delves into the complex interplay between the decline of the auto industry and the rise of the drug economy in Detroit. Here are the key insights from this eye-opening film:

1. Detroit’s Historical Significance:
   • Detroit was once the heart of the American Dream, fueled by the booming auto industry.
   • However, as this empire built on cars began to crumble, Detroit transformed into the Murder City, America’s crime capital.
2. The Auto Industry Decline:
   • The documentary explores the fall of the auto industry in Detroit, once the seat of the greatest economic empire the world had ever seen.
   • Factors such as economic challenges, mismanagement, and global shifts contributed to the decline.
3. The Rise of the Drug Economy:
   • As the auto industry waned, a new economy emerged—one fueled by illegal drugs.
   • Detroit became a hub for drug trafficking, with criminal organizations exploiting the city’s vulnerabilities.
4. Real Stories and Perspectives:
   • Rollin features interviews with various individuals, including:
     • Researchers analyzing the impact of the auto industry collapse.
     • Convicted contract killers who operated in the drug economy.
     • Former drug-dealing youth sharing their experiences.
     • Pastors, defense attorneys, and retired DEA agents providing insights.
5. Detroit as a Symbol:
   • Detroit’s story serves as a microcosm of larger issues facing America.
   • It symbolizes both failure (not of its people but of its leaders and the nation) and the resilience of those navigating challenging circumstances.

In summary, Rollin paints a vivid picture of Detroit’s transformation—from an industrial powerhouse to a city grappling with crime, addiction, and economic upheaval. It’s a cautionary tale and a call for understanding and change.