Born a Crime Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How did Trevor get out of jail?

The cop connected him with a lawyer. His mother paid the lawyer's fees and his bail. His lawyer helped get him out of jail on bail.

How did Patricia's relationship with Abel begin?

Abel worked at a garage called Mighty Mechanics where Patricia took her car for repairs. He became her boyfriend and lived with them.

What was Abel's family like, and what did Patricia think of the family culture?

They lived in Tzaneen, a Tsonga homeland, which was extremely patriarchal. Patricia disliked the culture and mocked it.

Describe the first instance of Abel's abuse.

Abel came home drunk, passed out while trying to cook, and set the house on fire. He later hit Patricia during an argument. Signup and view all the answers

How did Trevor respond when Abel hit him for forging his mother's signature?

Trevor found it terrifying, felt no love in the discipline, escaped to hide, and decided to avoid Abel from then on. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the incident when Abel shot Patricia.

Abel confronted Patricia with a gun after she returned home from church, claiming she stole his life, and shot her. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the doctor call what happened a miracle, and why does Trevor's mom believe she was spared?

The bullet missed her spinal cord and brain, coming out her nose. Trevor's mom believes her prayer saved her. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Trevor's date with Bibiki turn out so terribly?

Bibiki didn't speak the same languages as Trevor. Signup and view all the answers

What event in Trevor's childhood most cemented his reputation as a 'naughty child'?

He accidentally burned down a white family's house. Signup and view all the answers

When Trevor claims that he was 'born a crime,' what does he mean?

He was illegally conceived by a mixed-race couple. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Trevor not take the advanced track of classes at H.A. Jack Primary School?

He identifies himself as black and does not feel comfortable in classes without black students. Signup and view all the answers

How does Trevor's family respond after they find his feces in the trash?

His mother blames a demon instead of Trevor and holds an impromptu prayer meeting. Signup and view all the answers

What South African languages does Trevor speak?

Xhosa Signup and view all the answers

How did Trevor and his mother communicate about disciplinary matters when he was a child?

They exchanged well-argued letters. Signup and view all the answers

What did Trevor's friend Andrew do for him that changed his life?

He gave Trevor a CD burner which allowed him to make money. Signup and view all the answers

What was the term for young people in the Alex neighborhood who were relatively well-off?

The Cheese Boys Signup and view all the answers

What does Trevor do that gets him caught in jail for a week?

He is stopped while driving a car with the wrong license plate which is not his. Signup and view all the answers

How is Trevor able to become friends with the scary Hulk who is imprisoned in the same jail cell as him?

Trevor is the only person in the cell who can speak the Hulk's Tsonga language. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'miracle' experienced by Trevor's mother at the end of the book?

She survives a bullet wound through the back of her head and fully recovers. Signup and view all the answers

What made Trevor such a successful DJ in Johannesburg?

He had a much larger store of music on his computer than other DJs. Signup and view all the answers

What role did church play in Trevor's upbringing?

His mother was a super Christian and they went to 3 churches each Sunday: mixed church, white church, and black church. Signup and view all the answers

What is Trevor's mother like, based on his descriptions?

Stubborn, Christian, determined, and fierce. Signup and view all the answers

How did Trevor end up being thrown from the mini-bus?

He and his family hitchhiked home from church, and when the mini-bus driver harassed his mother, she pushed Trevor out and jumped out herself. Signup and view all the answers

How did apartheid come about according to Noah?

When the British Empire fell, the Afrikaners returned and studied institutionalized racism worldwide to develop a system of racial oppression. Signup and view all the answers

How did Trevor's mother find a place to live in Johannesburg?

She met fellow Xhosa women who taught her how to get around and dressed in maid's overalls to rent a flat. Signup and view all the answers

What was life like for Trevor as a child in Johannesburg and Soweto?

His existence was illegal; he had to hide when with his father and lived in fear of being taken away. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Trevor's experience growing up 'in a world run by women.'

He could mainly see his father when apartheid allowed it, while other men were absent or imprisoned. Signup and view all the answers

What does Trevor call Soweto?

A prison designed by our oppressors. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Trevor decided to use the bathroom on the floor instead of the public outhouse?

His great-grandmother thought something evil had invaded the house and called for the praying ladies to pray for the house. Signup and view all the answers

After Trevor injured his cousin Bulelwa's ear, why did Bulelwa and the other cousins get punished while Trevor did not?

His grandmother said she could not hit a white child due to fears of bruising. Signup and view all the answers

What are some other perks that Trevor experienced for being 'white'?

He was given warnings while his black cousins were punished, and was allowed to eat indoors at a funeral. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Trevor's experience at Maryvale College School and H.A. Jack Primary School.

Maryvale had no racial separation; H.A. Jack was racially divided and he later chose to drop to a lower class to be with friends. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Patricia's upbringing.

She was a tomboy, stubborn, and lived with little food; she went to a mission school and learned English. Signup and view all the answers

How did Trevor's life change when he and his mother moved to Eden Park?

They moved into a house, he had his own room, and they got a car. Signup and view all the answers

What did Patricia do to give Trevor everything she never had?

She took him exploring, provided him experiences for whites only, and bought him books. Signup and view all the answers

Explain some things Trevor does that show he is a 'hyperactive' kid.

He would run into the road, leave babysitters in tears, and engage in naughty activities at school. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Trevor's relationship with his mom using his metaphor.

He describes it as a rivalry like between a cop and a criminal, characterized by respect and trickery. Signup and view all the answers

What incident happened with the Catholic Eucharist?

He snuck in and ate the entire bag of crackers and drank the grape juice because he was not allowed. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Trevor's 2 black cats?

They were found strung up, gutted, and skinned due to beliefs that having black cats meant you were a witch. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the story of Fufi escaping.

Fufi was Trevor's deaf dog who escaped and Trevor felt betrayed when he had to pay to get her back after she loved another boy. Signup and view all the answers

What were some experiences Trevor had with his dad when he was young?

He visited him every Sunday afternoon, watched Formula 1 racing, and celebrated birthday and Christmas with him. Signup and view all the answers

How did Trevor contact his dad later in life?

He wrote to the Swiss Embassy and they delivered a letter to his dad. Signup and view all the answers

What was it like for Trevor to see his dad later in life?

They picked up where they left off, with his dad showing him a scrapbook of his life. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Trevor say 'I was the anomaly wherever we lived?'

In white areas, nobody looked like him, and in colored areas, he felt different from his neighbors. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the mulberry tree story.

Trevor was beat up for eating berries and learned the consequences of seeking help from Abel, who was abusive. Signup and view all the answers

What happened with Maylene on Valentine's Day?

Trevor had a crush on her and made her a gift, but she rejected him for Lorenzo, learning about popularity dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

What was Trevor's new school, Sandringham, like?

It was a model C school with a mix of government and private elements, having thousands of kids and sports facilities. Signup and view all the answers

How did Trevor find his niche at Sandringham?

He started a business getting food from the Tuck Shop and realized he could be funny to connect with others. Signup and view all the answers

What happened with Trevor's crush on Zaheera?

He learned she had a crush on him but had moved to America, realizing he could have asked her out. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Teddy and how does Trevor get into mischief with him?

Teddy is Trevor's friend with whom he shoplifted chocolates; he was caught while Trevor escaped. Signup and view all the answers

What did Tom promise Trevor?

He promised Trevor a date with the most beautiful girl if he improved the deal on CD sales. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Trevor took Babiki to the school dance?

Trevor was late, and Babiki refused to get out of the car, leading to a missed opportunity. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Trevor say that having money was the most liberating feeling?

Money gave him choices and a sense of freedom. Signup and view all the answers

How does Trevor become a DJ?

He started making mix CDs with a CD writer from a friend and began DJing gigs. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Trevor was asked to DJ at King David school?

They were stopped by a teacher during their performance for chanting 'Go Hitler'. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Alex and why Trevor calls it 'the hood.'

It's a chaotic place with people hustling and lots of trash, indicating poverty and daily struggles. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be a 'cheese boy'?

It meant having a little money and living well, specifically to throw cheese on food. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different 'degrees of crime' that Trevor describes?

Crime ranges from buying food off a truck for survival to gang activities like selling military weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What type of business does Trevor run in the hood?

He starts by selling pirated CDs, then collecting interest on loans to minibus drivers. Signup and view all the answers

How did Trevor lose his music?

He was DJing when the cops came to shut it down, shooting the computer monitor. Signup and view all the answers

What stolen item made Trevor want to stop selling stolen goods?

A digital camera with pictures of a white family's vacation. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Trevor arrested?

For suspicion of grand theft auto. Signup and view all the answers

What was Trevor's time in jail like?

His belt, wallet, and shoelaces were taken. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Family - Growing Up

Trevor's mother was devoutly Christian, attending three different churches each Sunday, emphasizing her strong faith and diverse social interactions.
She is characterized as stubborn, determined, and fierce, facing societal dangers while striving to maintain a normal life.
Trevor's illegal existence in Johannesburg made family outings complicated—his parents had to walk on opposite sides of the street to avoid attracting attention.

Race - Tribal Dynamics

Trevor and his mother once hitchhiked home from church and faced harassment from a mini-bus driver, resulting in Trevor's mother having to forcibly exit the bus to protect her family.

Apartheid Origins

Apartheid emerged after the British Empire's fall, with Afrikaners devising a sophisticated system of racial oppression, studying global racism to enforce segregation in South Africa.

Living Conditions

Patricia, Trevor's mother, established a home in Johannesburg with guidance from fellow Xhosa women, adapting by dressing as a maid to secure housing from a Swiss/German expat.
Soweto, where Trevor grew up, was likened to a "prison" with poor infrastructure and a black market economy, showcasing the bleak realities of his childhood environment.

Education and Identity

Trevor's school experiences varied widely; at Maryvale College, he encountered racial integration, while at H.A. Jack Primary, he faced the racial divides that influenced social group dynamics.
He sought connection and belonging among black peers, reflecting on the impact of race on friendships and educational experiences.

Motherly Influence

Patricia aimed to provide Trevor with opportunities she lacked, exposing him to experiences deemed "whites only" and prioritizing his education and personal growth.

Relationships and Betrayals

Through experiences such as losing his dog and crushes in school, Trevor navigated complex feelings of betrayal and unrequited affections, highlighting the intricacies of growing up in a racially charged society.

Crime and Entrepreneurship

Trevor's ventures into the world of crime that began with small thefts eventually evolved into a business selling pirated CDs and offering informal loans, revealing his ingenuity in adapting to his environment.

Interactive Experiences

Notable moments included Trevor's mischief at school, interaction with authority figures, and the dynamic with his stepfather, Abel, who initially provided a sense of stability but later became an abusive figure.

Legal Troubles

Trevor faced arrest related to grand theft auto and his time in jail offered a harsh learning curve about life, identity, and the influence of socioeconomic conditions.

Family and Abuse

Abel's abusive nature was revealed through instances of violence and mishaps, contributing to a tumultuous home life for Trevor and his mother.

Conclusion

Trevor's upbringing was characterized by the intersection of family, race, and societal challenges, shaping his identity and perspective as he navigated through adversity and sought personal fulfillment.### Discipline and Escape
Trevor associates discipline with a lack of love, leading to his escape from an abusive situation with Abel.
After the incident, Trevor chooses to live in hiding, likening his existence to that of a mouse, avoiding direct encounters with Abel.

Shooting Incident

Patricia was shot by Abel after returning home from church with her family.
Abel accused Patricia of stealing his life, threatened her family, and shot her as Andrew intervened.
Following the initial impact, the gun misfired, allowing Patricia to get to the car, but she was ultimately shot in the head.
Andrew rushed his mother to the hospital after placing her in the passenger seat.

Miracle and Beliefs

The doctor termed the survival of Patricia as a miracle since the bullet avoided vital areas, leaving her functional.
Trevor's mother attributes her survival to her prayers during the incident, believing divine intervention occurred at the moment of the gun misfire.

Language Barrier

Trevor's date with Bibiki failed due to a language barrier, as they did not share a common language.

Reputation in Childhood

Trevor earned a reputation as a "naughty child" after accidentally burning down a house, showcasing his troublesome behavior as a child.

Identity and Background

Trevor refers to being "born a crime" due to his mixed-race origins, which were illegal under apartheid laws.

School Experience

At H.A. Jack Primary School, Trevor opts against advanced classes, feeling uncomfortable identifying as black among predominantly white students.

Family Dynamics and Religion

Upon discovering feces in the trash, Trevor's mother attributes it to demonic influence and organizes a prayer meeting.

Languages Spoken

Trevor speaks several South African languages, notably Xhosa.

Communication with Mother

Trevor and his mother communicated disciplinary matters through written letters, given his speed in verbal arguments.

Introduction to Making Money

Trevor's friend Andrew significantly impacted his life by gifting him a CD burner, which enabled Trevor to generate income.

Local Terminology

In the Alex neighborhood of Johannesburg, affluent youths were referred to as "Cheese Boys," indicating their potential to escape poverty.

Legal Trouble

Troubles arose when Trevor was jailed for a week due to driving a car with a license plate that did not belong to him.

Establishing Connections

In jail, Trevor befriended the intimidating Hulk by communicating in Tsonga, the only language spoken in the cell that he understood.

Miracle Recovery

Trevor's mother experiences a miraculous recovery after being shot in the head, fully recuperating by the end of the narrative.

Success as a DJ

Trevor distinguishes himself as a successful DJ in Johannesburg by maintaining a vast music collection, greatly exceeding that of his peers.

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Description

Explore important concepts from 'Born a Crime' through these flashcards. Understand the pivotal role of Trevor Noah's mother and the influence of church in his upbringing. Perfect for reviewing key themes and character insights.