Questions and Answers
What does Trevor Noah mean when he says, 'the only way to make apartheid work, therefore, was to cripple the black mind'?
If people are uneducated, they do not know any better and therefore will not fight back against oppression.
What are the homelands?
The homeland for the original tribes, semi-sovereign nations where black people were supposed to be free.
Describe Trevor Noah's mother's experience in the Xhosa homeland of Transkei.
She worked long hours in the fields, struggled to feed many children, and sometimes stole food to survive.
What does Trevor's mother call the black tax?
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How does Trevor's mother's name, Patricia, fit her character?
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What tools did Trevor's mother give him for freedom?
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How did Trevor's life change when apartheid ended and they moved to Eden Park?
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What details illustrate that Trevor and his mother were poor, yet felt rich in experiences?
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Study Notes
Educational System Under Apartheid
- Trevor Noah emphasizes that apartheid aimed to undermine the black population's minds, leading to unawareness of their oppression.
- Bantu schools taught limited subjects, focusing on agriculture and basic skills instead of empowering subjects like science or history.
Homelands
- Homelands were designated areas for black citizens, often overpopulated and lacking basic amenities such as running water and electricity.
- Living conditions were harsh, with many people residing in huts and experiencing severe poverty.
Trevor's Mother's Experience
- Trevor Noah's mother faced difficult circumstances in the Xhosa homeland of Transkei, where she worked long hours in the fields since dawn.
- She endured extreme hunger, often having to steal food from animals to survive, illustrating the dire poverty and struggle she faced.
Black Tax
- Trevor's mother refers to the "black tax" as "the curse of being poor," highlighting the burden of supporting previous generations and societal inequalities.
- This tax prevents upward mobility, forcing individuals to expend resources just to return others to a baseline level of security.
Significance of Names
- The name "Patricia," meaning "she who gives back," reflects Trevor's mother's generous character and her dedication to supporting her family.
- Trevor was given a name without historical or cultural significance in South Africa, symbolizing a break from the past and new beginnings.
Tools for Freedom
- Trevor's mother equipped him with tools for success by teaching him English, reading to him frequently, and engaging him in adult conversations.
- By emphasizing education and critical thinking, she prepared him for opportunities beyond their circumstances.
Life After Apartheid
- The end of apartheid led to significant changes for Trevor's family, including moving to a suburban area and acquiring a car.
- His mother emphasized providing Trevor with opportunities she never had, signifying her commitment to his future.
Perception of Wealth
- Despite their modest living conditions, Trevor felt rich in experiences rather than material wealth, illustrating the difference between financial status and fulfilling life experiences.
- Details of their struggles included a dilapidated car and limited food, yet their adventures and explorations together fostered a sense of richness in life.
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Description
Explore the impacts of the apartheid educational system as highlighted by Trevor Noah. This quiz examines the limitations placed on black education, the living conditions in homelands, and the struggles faced by individuals like Trevor's mother. Test your knowledge on these important historical themes.
