Trevor Goes Home and Tours His Grandma’s Home “MTV Cribs” Style | The Daily Show Throwback

Summary

In this heartfelt video, Trevor revisits his hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa, and explores the impact of apartheid on his community. He shares stories of racial segregation, the fear of the police, and the resilience of his people. Trevor's visit to his grandmother's house in Soweto is a poignant journey through his past, as they discuss life under apartheid and the progress since Nelson Mandela's legacy. With humor and insight, Trevor connects his personal history to the broader narrative of South Africa's struggle and triumph.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Trevor traveled to his hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa, reflecting on the racial segregation of apartheid.
• 🚘 The road Trevor describes was a significant route for black workers commuting to white neighborhoods for domestic work.
• 🎉 In South Africa, 'road joy' is a cultural norm where people honk and greet each other warmly on the streets.
• 🏡 Trevor's grandmother's house in Soweto is a place filled with memories and a sense of community.
• 👵 A conversation with Trevor's grandmother reveals her admiration for Nelson Mandela, whom she considers a symbol of hope and change.
• 🚔 The script touches on the fear and oppression during apartheid, with vivid descriptions of police brutality and the 'Flying Squads'.
• 👶 Trevor humorously discusses his childhood, including how he was perceived by other black children who had never seen a white person.
• 👩 Trevor's mother is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who broke racial barriers by becoming a manager in a white-dominated field.
• 🏭 Trevor's grandmother shares harrowing experiences of forced labor under apartheid, highlighting the inhumane conditions.
• 📺 Trevor's grandmother humorously admits she doesn't watch his show due to frequent power outages, prompting Trevor to consider providing a generator.
• 🙏 The interaction between Trevor and his grandmother is filled with love, humor, and a deep respect for each other's experiences and perspectives.

Q & A

What was Trevor's initial feeling upon landing in Johannesburg?

Trevor felt something and heard a voice inside reminding him of what he had forgotten, indicating a mix of nostalgia and recognition of his past.

How did apartheid affect the living conditions of black and white people in South Africa?

Apartheid enforced racial segregation, compelling black people to live in specific areas and creating separate living spaces for whites, which led to the establishment of roads to connect these areas for the movement of black workers to white neighborhoods.

What is 'road joy' and how does it differ from road rage?

'Road joy' is a South African cultural practice where people honk their horns and smile at each other on the road, contrasting with the aggressive behavior of 'road rage' seen in other places.

Why did Trevor's grandmother live in Soweto?

Trevor's grandmother lived in Soweto because of apartheid laws that designated where black people were allowed to live.

What is the significance of the wall around Trevor's grandmother's house?

The wall around Trevor's grandmother's house signifies the importance of security and privacy in a community that has historically faced social and political unrest.

What does the term 'Gogo' mean and who is it referring to in the script?

In the script, 'Gogo' is a term of endearment for Trevor's grandmother, which is a common way to address elderly women in some African cultures.

How does Trevor's grandmother feel about the idea of returning to apartheid?

Trevor's grandmother is strongly against the idea of returning to apartheid, as she recalls the harsh conditions and injustices of that era, including forced labor without pay and the dehumanizing treatment of black people.

What was Trevor's mother's profession and how did it defy the norms of apartheid?

Trevor's mother was a manager of white people, which was unusual during apartheid as black people were generally not allowed to hold such positions, especially over white individuals.

Why did Trevor's grandmother mention the experience of digging potatoes?

Trevor's grandmother mentioned digging potatoes to illustrate the harsh and exploitative labor conditions under apartheid, where workers were unpaid and had to continue working even when fellow workers died from exhaustion.

What did Trevor's grandmother mean when she said Trevor gave her a tough time as a child?

Trevor's grandmother meant that he was energetic and naughty as a child, often wanting to play in the streets, which was dangerous due to the presence of the 'Flying Squad' police who could arrest children.

How does Trevor's grandmother feel about watching Trevor's show on television?

Trevor's grandmother has not watched his show because of frequent electricity outages, which is a common issue in some parts of South Africa.