Born a Crime Chapter 1

Summary

In this gripping excerpt from Trevor Noah's 'Born a Crime,' we delve into his tumultuous childhood in apartheid-era South Africa. The narrative vividly captures the racial tensions, the influence of tribal divisions, and the author's religious upbringing. A dramatic retelling of a near-death experience, where Noah's mother heroically throws him from a moving car to escape violent minibus drivers, underscores the perils of their world. The story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

Takeaways

• 📚 The book 'Born a Crime' by Trevor Noah provides a vivid account of his childhood in South Africa during apartheid.
• 🏠 Trevor dedicates the book to his mother, who played a pivotal role in shaping his life and identity.
• 🇿🇦 Apartheid was a policy that enforced racial segregation and manipulated different racial and tribal groups to maintain control.
• 🤼‍♂️ The Zulu and Xhosa tribes had contrasting approaches towards resisting white rule, with the Zulu being more militant and the Xhosa more diplomatic.
• 👶 Trevor's childhood was deeply rooted in Christianity, attending church services frequently with his mother.
• 🎉 Trevor's experiences in different churches varied; he enjoyed the jubilant mixed church, the analytical white church, and the passionate black church.
• 🚌 Trevor's family had to navigate through difficult transportation conditions to attend church, often relying on unreliable minibus taxis.
• 🚗 The incident where Trevor's mother threw him out of a moving car to save him from potential harm showcases her courage and quick thinking.
• 🏃‍♂️ Trevor and his mother had to run for their lives from an aggressive minibus driver, highlighting the violence and unpredictability of the time.
• 🌃 The narrative captures the fear and tension of living in South Africa during the transition from apartheid, where violence was a constant threat.
• 🤝 Despite the hardships, Trevor's bond with his mother was strong, and they found humor and resilience even in the most challenging circumstances.

Q & A

What is the title of the book mentioned in the script?

The title of the book mentioned in the script is 'Born a Crime'.

Who is the author of 'Born a Crime'?

The author of 'Born a Crime' is Trevor Noah.

What is the book's dedication to?

The book is dedicated to Trevor Noah's mother, who is referred to as his first fan.

What is apartheid?

Apartheid was the South African government policy of racial segregation that aimed to divide and control people by making them hate one another.

What is the main theme discussed in the first part of the book?

The main theme discussed in the first part of the book is the division and animosity between different racial and tribal groups in South Africa during the apartheid era.

What are the two dominant groups in South Africa mentioned in the script?

The two dominant groups mentioned in the script are the Zulu and the Xhosa.

How did the Zulu and Xhosa approach their relationship with the white colonizers?

The Zulu went to war with the white colonizers, while the Xhosa took a more strategic approach, learning English and trying to negotiate with the white man.

What is the significance of the story about Trevor Noah's mother throwing him out of a moving car?

The story about Trevor Noah's mother throwing him out of a moving car illustrates her determination and willingness to take drastic measures to ensure her son's safety and upbringing.

How did Trevor Noah's mother's religious beliefs influence his childhood?

Trevor Noah's mother's religious beliefs led to a childhood filled with church attendance, religious education, and a strict moral code.

What is the significance of the different churches Trevor Noah visited during his childhood?

The different churches Trevor Noah visited during his childhood each offered a unique experience and catered to different racial demographics, reflecting the complex social and racial dynamics of South Africa.

What was the political situation in South Africa during Trevor Noah's childhood?

During Trevor Noah's childhood, South Africa was transitioning from apartheid to democracy, which was marked by violence and power struggles between different political factions like the Inkatha Freedom Party and the African National Congress.

How did Trevor Noah's mother's stubbornness manifest itself in the face of danger?

Trevor Noah's mother's stubbornness manifested itself in the face of danger by not backing down, continuing to go to church despite obstacles, and protecting her children even in the face of potential violence.

What is the significance of the incident where Trevor Noah and his mother had to hitchhike and later jump out of a moving minibus?

The incident where Trevor Noah and his mother had to hitchhike and later jump out of a moving minibus highlights the perilous and unpredictable nature of life during that time in South Africa, as well as his mother's resourcefulness and courage in protecting her children.