Born a Crime - Chapter 1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Trevor Noah's mother is descended from which African tribe?

Xhosa

What religion does his mother practice?

Christianity

How old is Trevor when the incident of being thrown out of the car occurs?

Nine

To what does Trevor attribute the misfortune leading up to the incident of being thrown out of a car?

Secondhand cars and their tendency to break down Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate meaning of the phrase 'Sun'qhela'?

Just try me Signup and view all the answers

Trevor is frequently disobedient and his mother is strict with him.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Trevor's school?

Maryvale College Signup and view all the answers

Which is true of the political situation after the fall of apartheid as Trevor describes it?

Rivalry between different political parties leads to intense violence in black communities Signup and view all the answers

The drivers of the minibus system Trevor and his mother make use of are primarily women.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which two colonial powers were involved in the history of South Africa?

The Dutch Signup and view all the answers

What is the first name of Trevor's mother?

Patricia Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Trevor's father?

Robert Signup and view all the answers

What is the ethnic background of Trevor's father?

Swiss German Signup and view all the answers

Under apartheid, what designation is used for individuals of mixed-race background?

Colored Signup and view all the answers

What unconventional employment does Trevor's mother take on?

Working as a secretary Signup and view all the answers

Why is it illegal for Trevor's mother to move to Johannesburg?

It is illegal for blacks to live in white neighborhoods Signup and view all the answers

How does Trevor's mother first meet his father?

They live in the same apartment building Signup and view all the answers

How does Trevor's mother end up getting pregnant?

She convinces his father to help her have a child Signup and view all the answers

What common outcome for mixed families does Trevor not experience?

Leaving South Africa for another country Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Trevor's grandmother?

Frances Signup and view all the answers

Why do his family members believe Trevor's prayers have special power?

Because he prays in English Signup and view all the answers

Bantu schools were designed to foster a sense of pride in African heritage.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning associated with Trevor's mother's African name?

She who gives back Signup and view all the answers

What is the genius of apartheid?

Convincing people who were in the majority to turn on each other Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the Zulu and the Xhosa?

Zulu were considered fighters and the Xhosa thinkers Signup and view all the answers

Why does Noah say that the Bible was his action movie?

His mother would not let him watch movies--he could read the Bible Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trevor's Background and Family

Trevor Noah's mother is of Xhosa descent, a prominent ethnic group in South Africa.
Patricia, Trevor's mother, practices Christianity, which influences her values and commitments.
Trevor's father, Robert, is of Swiss German descent, highlighting the mixed-race dynamics in Trevor's family.
Trevor's family lineage and identity are complex, being referred to as "colored" under apartheid's racial classification.

Early Life and Experiences

Trevor was nine years old when he experienced being thrown out of a car, a formative incident in his childhood.
He associates car troubles leading to this incident with the unreliability of secondhand vehicles.
Trevor's relationship with his mother is characterized by frequent disobedience on his part and strict discipline from her.
He attended Maryvale College, an aspect of his education during the tumultuous political climate of post-apartheid South Africa.

The political landscape after apartheid was marked by fierce competition and violence among multiple political parties, impacting community safety.
The minibus transport system used by Trevor and his mother, integral for daily commuting, is often criticized, particularly regarding the gender composition of its drivers.

Cultural Influences and Beliefs

Trevor's prayers are viewed as powerful by his family because he prays in English, highlighting a perception of the language's efficacy or importance.
Trevor's mother's African name translates to "she who gives back," indicating her community-oriented spirit and generosity.

Education and Upbringing

Bantu schools, meant for Black students during apartheid, did not promote pride in African heritage, contrary to popular belief.
Trevor mentions how the Bible served as his action movie; his mother restricted him from watching films, compelling him to engage with the scriptures instead.

Unique Circumstances and Challenges

Trevor's mother faced legal barriers to living in Johannesburg, as apartheid laws prohibited Black individuals from residing in predominantly white neighborhoods.
Despite the struggles commonly faced by mixed-race families in South Africa, Trevor's family did not leave the country for a safer environment.

Family Dynamics and Community

Frances serves as Trevor's grandmother, playing a significant role in his family narrative.
The dynamics between Zulu and Xhosa groups are noteworthy, with Zulu perceived as fighters and Xhosa regarded as thinkers—a reflection of cultural stereotypes and identities.

Insights into Apartheid

The genius of apartheid lay in its ability to create division among the majority, compelling communities to turn against each other rather than unite.
The phrase "Sun'qhela," meaning "just try me," signifies a challenge or defiance, resonating with Trevor's experiences of growing up in a challenging environment.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 1 of Trevor Noah's 'Born a Crime' with these flashcards. Explore key details about Trevor's background, his mother's beliefs, and significant events from his childhood. This engaging quiz will help reinforce your understanding of the material.