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Canceled: Joel Stein

In conversation with Reza Aslan
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Mark Taper Auditorium-Central Library
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This ALOUD program is canceled.

 

You’re not supposed to say that you’re a member of the elite. And you’re especially not supposed to say that if the intellectual cosmopolitan elite stop running things, we’re doomed. Which is why Joel Stein wanted to say it.

In his book, In Defense of Elitism: Why I’m Better Than You and You’re Better Than Someone Who Didn’t Buy This Book, the humorist who has written weekly columns for Time, the L.A. Times and Entertainment Weekly defends his over-educated, cortado-sipping people. He goes on a tour of America to meet the populists and their leaders. He meets a guy who makes fake news and goes to a tiny town in Texas. He takes on people who argue with their doctors after reading a WebMD article. The people in this case is his wife.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti allows him to reproduce the experience of being an inexperienced government official by acting as mayor of LA for a day. He does not do a good job.

He’ll be interviewed on stage by Reza Aslan: religious scholar, professor TV host, holder of four academic degrees, and proud member of the elite.

Frequently asked questions

Joel Stein

Joel Stein was a staff writer and columnist for Time magazine for twenty years; he was also a columnist for Entertainment Weekly and the Los Angeles Times. He is the author of Man Made: A Stupid Quest for Masculinity and writes for the upcoming TV show American Princess, produced by Jenji Kohan.


Reza Aslan

Reza Aslan is a renowned writer, commentator, professor, Emmy-nominated producer, and scholar of religions. A recipient of the prestigious James Joyce award, Aslan is the author of three internationally best-selling books, including the #1 New York Times Bestseller, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth. His producing credits include the acclaimed HBO series The Leftovers and the upcoming Chuck Lorre comedy, United States of Al. He is the host and Executive Producer of Rough Draft with Reza Aslan.


Stacy-Lieberman_headshot_President-and-CEO_LFLA

Stacy Lieberman

As President and CEO of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA), Stacy Lieberman is an innovative and inclusive leader whose career dwells at the intersection of arts and culture, lifelong learning, storytelling, and equitable access. Stacy guides the Foundation’s philanthropic and public-facing priorities to serve the Los Angeles Public Library, embracing the notion that libraries are beacons of democracy where everyone is welcome. She works intentionally with community leaders, donors, and internal and external strategic partners to raise awareness and resources for the Library and its life-changing initiatives.

With more than 20 years of experience as a senior executive, Stacy has left an indelible mark on iconic L.A. arts, non-profit, and educational institutions such as The Broad, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Skirball Cultural Center. Building on an early career in book publishing, she has dedicated her professional life to sharing stories and broadening the reach of public institutions to welcome visitors and students of all ages and backgrounds to experience educational, arts, and cultural opportunities.