Third Thursday Thinks: Food, Race, and the City in Malaysia featuring Dr. Michel O'Brien

This presentation explores what food and food cultures in Malaysia can teach us about multicultural societies. Since its Independence in 1957 Malaysia has been faced with the question of how to deal with its Malay, Chinese, Indian, and "Other" populations, from conflicts over language and religion, to how to achieve equality along with rapid development. Using three major cities in Malaysia as an example, we'll explore how food-- from laksa to curries to white coffee--from Malaysia's communities has played a key role in shaping its multicultural cities, and how the infamous durian in particular continues to inform racial conflicts and collaborations in the city. The PUB by Iron Horse Brewery allows people under 21 into the PUB before 8:00 PM. Third Thursday Thinks runs from 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Sponsored by CAH, Iron Horse Brewery, and hosted by Jason Dormady of the CWU History Department.