"Nikki's Window"

In this essay Herron is arguing how the classic Detroit is not gone forever. He describes how in Greektown they put on shows trying to impress tourists, when it is the moments like the century old writing on Nikki's Window which are the true prizes. At the same time he agrees that the good ole' Detroit will never be back, but there are still parts that seem as if they are from the past.

In his essay he uses "pastness" to mean what Detroit was like in the past. He is referring to Detroit 50-80 years ago.
In his essay he uses "nostalgia" to refer to how Detroit is like a home to him, and how he wants to return to Detroit when it was a place of pride not shame.
In his essay he uses "humiliation" to refer to how people feel now saying that their from Detroit. He refers to how people around the country look down on Detroit and the people who live there.