5 Questions
What is the name of the church that Trevor Noah's mother, Patricia, converts to?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church
What is the primary reason Trevor's mother takes him to white churches?
To practice her English
What is the 'crime' that Trevor was 'born' into, according to the title of the book?
Being born to a white mother and a black father
What is the significance of the language of instruction in Trevor's early education?
It determines his ability to communicate with his mother
What is one of the consequences of Trevor's mother's decision to take him to white churches?
He becomes more aware of the racial divisions in South Africa
Study Notes
Trevor Noah's Childhood
- Trevor Noah's family lived in a small shack in Eden Park, a township in Johannesburg.
- His mother, Patricia, was a secretly devout Christian who illegally taught Trevor about Christianity.
- His father, Robert, was a white Swiss man who didn't understand African culture, and Trevor rarely saw him.
The Racial Classification System
- During apartheid, the South African government classified people into five racial groups: White, Black, Indian, Colored, and Other.
- Trevor Noah was classified as "Colored" because of his mixed heritage, which made him an outcast in both Black and White communities.
Patricia's Courage
- Patricia refused to accept the societal norms of apartheid, and she risked imprisonment by teaching Trevor about her culture and religion.
- She also defied the law by being in a relationship with a White man, which was illegal at the time.
Trevor's Identity Crisis
- As a "Colored" child, Trevor struggled to find his identity and fit in with his peers.
- He was forced to navigate different racial groups and languages, which made him feel like an outsider.
Language and Power
- Patricia emphasized the importance of language and its connection to power and identity.
- She taught Trevor multiple languages, including English, isiXhosa, and isiZulu, which helped him navigate different cultures and social situations.
Learn about Trevor Noah's childhood, his family, and the racial classification system during apartheid in South Africa.
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