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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Books At Rontoms, Singing the Praises of Socialism

Posted by Sarah Mirk on Thu, Oct 8, 2009 at 4:59 PM

So about two months ago, I picked up the book "Socialism is Great!" at Powell's, because, I'm not going to lie, I liked its shiny and intriguing title. I sat down in the Powell's cafe with Lijia Zhang's memoir of life as a Chinese worker and by the time the store closed, I had a headache and two empty cups of hot chocolate but still hadn't stopped reading. Zhang's life seems like it should be the fodder for a tearful story of victimization—as a teenager Zhang dreams of going to college, her mother forces her into years of dull factory work—but instead, Zhang's memoir is compelling and refreshingly honest. She is straightforward about her own shortcomings as well as the things she loves in her country and family.

And then surprise surprise, it turned out Zhang was coming to Portland as Wordstock's featured author and speaking at no other than Eastside bar Rontoms. I was a little skeptical of how a discussion with the illustrious Zhang would pan out at a place I know for its Session and tomato soup, but when I arrived last night the place was packed with a group lured to the "Think and Drink" by Wordstock and Oregon Humanities. I didn't take any notes (READ THE BOOK!) but wanted to post this little video I took of Zhang, red-faced, as the crowd and co-presenter goad her into singing the Chinese folk song her book is named after. The man on the plane next to her coming into the United States apparently told her "Socialism is Great!" was a terrible name for a book. "He said, 'Americans hate socialism!'" Zhang recalled. But, hey, it's what caught my eye in the first place. Enjoy this strange little artifact:

 

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Well, glad to haer that you did pick up the book and that you enjoyed it as well. And yes there are Americans that like socialism. We here at the Freedom Socialist Party of Portland do. In fact, why don't you come to our meeting and see for yourself. Details are listed below. We do hope to see you there.


Obama’s Policies for Immigrant Rights: All Tricks, No Treat!

A roundtable discussion about detentions and deportations under the Obama Administration. Sunday, October 11th, 3:00 p.m. Hearty meal at 2:00 p.m. for an $8-$10 donation. Door donation is $2. Bread & Roses Center, 819 N. Killingsworth St. (½ block west of N. Albina on N. Killingsworth, TriMet lines #4 and #72) in Portland. Hosted by the Freedom Socialist Party. All welcome. For more information or childcare call or email in advance, 503-240-4462, fsp@igc.org or visit www.socialism.com.
Posted by socialism on October 9, 2009 at 3:53 PM · Report

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