If there is one thing Bob Beckel and the folks over at Fox News have helped everyone to learn in the last few weeks, it's that the phrase “Chinaman” shouldn't be tossed around too freely. Aside from millionaire Jeffrey Lebowski, in fact, it's hard to believe anybody would use that term anymore. But there it is in the title of Eric Liu's newest book. A former Bill Clinton speechwriter and essayist (The Accidental Asian), Liu is well aware of the sticky power of the term. A Chinaman's Chance: One Family's Journey and the Chinese-American Dream tackles the subject of ever-evolving Asian identity in America and China's parallel rise as a global powerhouse. Along with Zócalo Public Square executive director Gregory Rodriguez, Liu will be discussing the challenges of building an identity and the cloud of fear and ignorance that can hammer away at the process. By the end of their talk, we imagine everyone will know that “Chinaman” is not the preferred nomenclature. Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., dwntwn.; Wed., July 30, 7:15 p.m.; free. (213) 228-7025, lfla.org.

Wed., July 30, 7:15 p.m., 2014
(Expired: 07/30/14)

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.