What Trevor Noah Learned About America By Leaving America

Summary

In an interview with Stephen Colbert, comedian Trevor Noah discusses winning a surprise Emmy Award for The Daily Show after having left the show in 2022. Noah also touches on insights he gained from traveling for his comedy special, noting how overseas, voters tend to criticize elected leaders rather than opponents. He finds American politics tribal like sports fandom. Noah and Colbert banter lightheartedly about national anthems, with Noah praising the dramatic lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner. They joke America boldly defends its citizens abroad, contrasting with uncertain support from less dominant countries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trevor Noah won an Emmy Award in 2022 for The Daily Show, which he hosted until that year
• 😊 Trevor will be hosting the Grammy Awards on CBS in two weeks
• 🤗 Trevor traveled all over the world for his latest comedy special and learned new perspectives
• 😃 Trevor says people overseas criticize their own leaders more than opposing candidates like in the US
• 🙂 Trevor points out other countries don't play their national anthem as often as the US does
• 😉 Trevor jokes the US national anthem lyrics are unique with 'bombs bursting' and the flag still waving
• 🤔 Trevor observes Americans promise to intervene globally to help citizens abroad if needed
• 😳 Trevor finds US friends assertive about rights and justice when traveling unlike some others
• 🤨 Trevor notes the confidence of US power and reach globally to protect its citizens
• 😏 Trevor kids the US national anthem fits well with adding 'bitch' after lines for effect

Q & A

Who was Stephen's first guest mentioned in the transcript?

Trevor Noah.

What significant event is Trevor Noah hosting in two weeks from the date of the show mentioned?

The 66th Grammy Awards.

What award did Trevor Noah win that was mentioned during his introduction?

An Emmy Award.

Why was Trevor surprised to win the Emmy, according to the conversation?

Because he hadn't done 'The Daily Show' since 2022.

What is the title of Trevor Noah's latest Netflix special mentioned in the transcript?

"Where Was I?"

What unique observation did Trevor make about political criticism in overseas countries compared to the United States?

Overseas, people spend more time criticizing the politicians they voted for rather than those they oppose, unlike in the U.S., where there's a tendency to support their 'team' unconditionally.

According to Trevor, how do other countries view the playing of national anthems at sports events compared to the United States?

Other countries do not play their national anthem before sports events unless there is international attendance, which contrasts with the U.S. practice of playing it regardless.

What did Trevor Noah appreciate about the American national anthem?

He loves its marks, cadence, and the story it tells, noting its uniqueness for including 'bombs bursting' in its lyrics.

How did Trevor describe the confidence of Americans abroad, according to his experiences?

Americans abroad display a notable confidence, knowing their country would come to their aid if needed, unlike his uncertainty about South Africa's ability to do the same for him.

What humor did Trevor and Stephen share about the ending of the American national anthem?

They joked about adding "bitch" to the end of lines in the anthem to emphasize its assertive tone.