Trevor Chats with His Grandma About Apartheid and Tours Her Home, “MTV Cribs”-Style | The Daily Show

Summary

In this heartfelt script, Noah revisits his South African roots, exploring the vibrant streets of Soweto and Johannesburg. He fondly recalls his youth, the apartheid era's impact, and the community's resilience. Noah's visit to his grandmother's house is a highlight, where they discuss Nelson Mandela, the past's hardships, and the present's challenges. The script is a poignant blend of humor and history, offering viewers a glimpse into South Africa's complex past and present.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Noah returns to his hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa, after a long time away.
• 🚘 The script highlights the historical impact of apartheid on residential areas and transportation.
• 🏡 Noah's childhood home in Soweto is described as a place of community and fond memories.
• 👵 A visit to his grandmother's house reveals the importance of family and tradition.
• 🛂 Noah humorously discusses the security features of his grandmother's house, including a unique 'intruder defense mechanism'.
• 🚽 The script includes a comedic moment about an outdoor toilet, showing Noah's humor.
• 🤝 Greetings are a significant part of African culture, as Noah demonstrates with his grandmother.
• 🎉 The script mentions a concert celebrating 100 years since Nelson Mandela's birth.
• 👮‍♂️ Noah's grandmother shares her experiences and fears during the apartheid era, including police brutality.
• 🥔 The grandmother recounts the harsh realities of life under apartheid, such as manual labor and death.
• 👶 Noah reflects on his own childhood and the perception of his race during apartheid.
• 📺 Noah's grandmother admits she doesn't watch his show due to electricity issues, prompting a light-hearted discussion about solutions.

Q & A

What was Noah's initial reaction upon landing in Johannesburg?

Noah felt something and a voice inside reminded him of what he had forgotten, indicating a sense of nostalgia and connection to his past.

How did Noah describe the road he used to drive on?

Noah described the road as one that connected Soweto and Johannesburg, used by taxis, buses, and transport to ship people between the areas due to apartheid.

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, as opposed to road rage which involves anger and aggression.

Why might Noah's grandmother not be at home when he arrives?

Noah mentioned that telling his grandmother they are on the way does not necessarily mean she will be there, implying that her presence is unpredictable.

What does Noah consider Soweto to be?

Noah considers Soweto to be where he grew up, a place where everything 'goes down,' and a playground for him and his friends.

How does Noah describe the changes in Soweto over time?

Noah describes Soweto as unchanged in a good way, comparing it to a museum, suggesting that it has maintained its original character.

What security feature did Noah install in his grandmother's house?

Noah installed an intruder defense mechanism system of glass, which humorously refers to bottles that he drank from, indicating a playful approach to security.

Why does Noah consider having a toilet outside the house as a sign of being a 'baller'?

Noah humorously suggests that while anyone can have a toilet inside, having one outside signifies status and extravagance.

What was Noah's grandmother's first memory of Nelson Mandela?

She remembered that people had not seen a black man who was an attorney, highlighting the significance of Mandela's profession during apartheid.

How does Noah's grandmother feel about the idea of going back to apartheid?

She strongly opposes the idea, using the metaphor of digging for potatoes with hands and the harsh conditions of that era to express her aversion.

What was Noah's mother's occupation that surprised his grandmother?

Noah's mother was a black person in a job that black people were not supposed to be in, and she was a manager of white people, which was unusual during apartheid.

Why does Noah's grandmother not watch The Daily Show?

She claims that sometimes the electricity cuts out, which Noah takes as a plausible excuse and a gentle way of letting him down.