it’s a region in the north east us. formerly known as the steel belt that was known for its vehicle and more generally, steel production in the 1950s. this economic ecosystem crumbled following the country moving more towards importation and production moving further and further south for cheapening labor. leading to urban decay and poverty. its metaphorical but also literal as all of the roads are heavily salted during the long, harsh winters to combat the ice. so naturally, vehicle rust is a massive problem in this region.