As a UNC alum, I've been following rather closely the NCAA Tournament and sit in eager anticipation of the game tonight. But I'm getting sick and tired of the media focusing so much attention on what Michigan State's run to the final game means for the state's troubled economy.
I know the economy is bad there, but it's not like things are peachy here either.
Yes, Michigan does have the nation's highest unemployment rate at 12%, but North Carolina's is fourth-highest at 10.7%. It's not like things are thriving here. Yet Michigan gets all the attention.
Take this story from ESPN's Andy Katz:
change the depressed economy and suddenly put people back to work or
change the future of the American automotive industry.
Why is he not writing about the plight of the collapse of the banking community in Charlotte? Or the loss of textile and furniture manufacturing jobs? Or the seemingly daily announce of layoffs at one of the Triangle's big employers?
Coach Williams noticed though:
with the state of the nation's economy, particularly Michigan's, and
the tough times that we have here," Williams said. "I understand that
and I have zero problems, but you know things are not great in North
Carolina, either. We are playing for the college and we are playing for
the people in the state of North Carolina."
There's another way to get rid of all this attention on Michigan as well. A UNC victory tonight.
Go Heels!
Why you gotta hate on Michigan?
Most of the attention is surely manifested because: a) The final four is in Detroit and MSU playing in their home state is a compelling story b)they are trying to weave a narrative that hosting a major event like a final four will help “boost” Detroit’s economy.
Part b just ain’t gonna happen. Detroit has hosted the Major League All-Star Game and a Super Bowl in the last few years, and look at all the good that did.
There will be a silver lining for North Carolina if MSU wins, however. When all the students in East Lansing burn their couches in celebration, they’ll have to buy more – providing a boost to North Carolina’s furniture industry!