"Being Black In America" - Trevor Noah - (African American)

Summary

In this humorous and insightful monologue, the speaker reflects on the complexities of race and identity, particularly in America. He recounts an enlightening conversation with an American in South Africa, revealing how mixed-race individuals are often labeled as black in the U.S., depending on their success and public perception. The speaker humorously narrates his own attempt to 'become black' during an 18-hour flight to America, immersing himself in the culture, language, and mannerisms of black Americans. The narrative touches on the cultural impact of black Americans, from music and style to their distinctive way of walking and talking, ultimately celebrating their influence on modern pop culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of racial identity in America is fluid, with mixed-race individuals often being categorized as black once they achieve success.
• 😀 Public figures like Barack Obama, Alicia Keys, and Tiger Woods exemplify the phenomenon of mixed-race people being labeled as black in America after they gain fame.
• 😀 The speaker humorously reflects on his experience of learning what it means to be black in America by preparing himself before traveling there.
• 😀 The American black identity is admired for its influence on modern pop culture, including music genres like jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, as well as fashion and movement.
• 😀 Black Americans are praised for their unique and influential style, from their walk to their cultural contributions.
• 😀 The speaker shares a comedic account of how black Americans’ distinctive walk gives them a purposeful and cool appearance, even in casual moments like walking.
• 😀 A key observation is that black Americans possess a remarkable ability to make others feel good about themselves simply by asking, 'Is this you?'
• 😀 The speaker highlights the charm of American black speech, especially the relaxed and fluid use of the English language, where punctuation and structure are often disregarded.
• 😀 The speaker admires the phrase 'Nah mean,' a versatile expression used by black Americans that can encapsulate both a statement and a question in a single, fluid word.
• 😀 The speaker humorously wishes they could relive moments of their life with the same carefree energy and expression that black Americans bring to everyday conversations.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean when he says that in America, people are labeled as black regardless of their racial background?

The speaker refers to the way mixed-race individuals in America are often categorized as black by society, regardless of their actual racial heritage. This reflects how American identity can be shaped by social perceptions and classifications.

Why does the speaker highlight the success of famous mixed-race individuals like Barack Obama and Tiger Woods?

The speaker emphasizes that mixed-race celebrities often achieve success and are then categorized as black, rather than being identified as mixed-race. This highlights the social dynamics and labeling that occur once individuals achieve success in America.

How does the speaker describe the difference between the perception of Barack Obama when he started his political journey and after his success?

Initially, Obama was seen as the 'mixed candidate,' but once he became successful and won the presidency, people began referring to him as America's first black president. This illustrates the shift in how mixed-race individuals are perceived once they reach a certain level of success.

What does the speaker mean by practicing 'being black' during his flight to America?

The speaker humorously describes how he spent his long flight to America by practicing behaviors and mannerisms associated with black American culture, such as using specific phrases and adopting a certain way of speaking, to better fit in and embrace the identity he was aiming for.

How does the speaker describe the 'black American' culture and what makes it distinct?

The speaker praises black American culture for its influence on modern pop culture, citing contributions to music, fashion, and even everyday activities like walking. He finds black Americans to be especially 'cool,' with a unique style and swagger.

Why does the speaker find the way black Americans walk to be particularly cool?

The speaker appreciates how black Americans add a unique 'bounce' to their walk, which makes them appear confident and purposeful. He humorously suggests that this distinct walk would make it hard for someone to be assassinated while walking because they look so cool and unbothered.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Nah mean' in black American culture, according to the speaker?

The phrase 'Nah mean' is used by the speaker to highlight the creative and efficient use of language in black American culture. It serves as both a question and a statement, summarizing a thought with minimal effort, which the speaker finds magical and effective in communication.

How does the speaker feel about the English language use in black American culture?

The speaker is in awe of the way black Americans use English, especially their disregard for traditional punctuation and grammar. He finds it innovative and fascinating, admiring how this approach to language creates a more fluid and expressive communication style.

Why does the speaker consider black American culture to be the coolest in the world?

The speaker believes black American culture is the coolest because of its widespread influence on modern pop culture, including music, fashion, and even how people walk and talk. He praises the confidence and uniqueness that come with embracing this culture.

What does the speaker mean when he says, 'You have to be liked and successful first, before they say you’re mixed'?

The speaker is pointing out that mixed-race individuals in America are often labeled as black once they achieve success and become popular. The implication is that success in American society can lead to a shift in how people are racially categorized, often to their benefit in the context of cultural recognition.