Assimilation and Hybridity
This term refers to the blending of different cultural or racial groups to form something new, often seen in Trevor's experience of navigating various identities.
Hybridity
This policy of systematic racial segregation and discrimination, implemented by the South African government, is a central theme in Born a Crime.
Apartheid
Trevor Noah's mother, who played a significant role in his upbringing, is often described as being fiercely independent and religious. What is her first name?
Patricia
What is Patricia's native language?
Xhosa
One of the recurring themes in Born a Crime is the tension between different racial groups and the complex identities that result. This is often referred to as the challenge of being part of more than one race in a racially segregated society.
Identity
Trevor describes his experience growing up in South Africa as someone who didn’t fully belong to any racial or cultural group. This concept, which involves the adoption of elements from multiple cultures, is central to his story.
Assimilation
Under apartheid, Trevor was categorized as this racial classification, despite his mixed-race heritage.
Colored
What is her profession?
Secretary
What language did Trevor learn first?
Englilsh
Trevor frequently reflects on the idea that this force, not just individual choices, shaped much of his and others’ lives during apartheid.
Systemic oppression
In the book, Trevor navigates a society where race defines almost everything. This notion, blending multiple backgrounds into a singular identity, represents a challenge for him in South Africa's segregated society.
Hybridity
This is the act that Trevor’s mother broke, leading to him being considered an illegal child under apartheid law.
The Immortality Act
Patricia’s influence on Trevor’s education went beyond traditional schooling. She taught him how to value knowledge and this form of learning, which was key to his success.
Critical thinking
Trevor’s ability to speak multiple languages, including English, allowed him to connect with different groups, despite the tensions between them. What is called when you speak multiple languages?
Multilingual
The theme of this societal construct, including its arbitrary enforcement based on physical appearance and heritage, is central to Trevor’s experience growing up in South Africa.
Race
Trevor's mixed-race background often forced him to confront the tension between different communities, as he was neither fully accepted by Black South Africans nor by white South Africans. This is an example of this type of cultural blending.
Hybrid Identity
The system of apartheid in South Africa is often compared to the racial segregation seen in the United States. This South African law prohibited people of different races from doing this.
Interracial Marriage
Patricia had a strong stance on religious faith, even involving Trevor in religious activities. What religion did she adhere to?
Christianity
This was the primary language spoken by Trevor’s mother, Patricia, who used it to communicate in both urban and rural settings, reflecting the multilingual nature of South Africa.
Africaans
Trevor discusses the way his mother’s faith played a key role in shaping his understanding of right and wrong. This concept, often discussed in his stories, is linked to his mother’s unshakable belief in morality.
Moarality
Trevor Noah’s ability to speak multiple languages and navigate different cultural worlds is a form of this process. It involves adopting traits from multiple cultures to survive in a racially divided society.
Cultural assimilation
Trevor's experience of being moved around in different racial communities highlights the extreme division caused by apartheid. This area, which was intended for non-white residents, was known for its overcrowded conditions.
A Township
This is the way Trevor describes his mother’s approach to life and raising him, often including strict discipline and high expectations, especially in terms of education.
Trevor’s use of humor and language—especially his ability to speak in different voices and accents—was crucial in helping him survive apartheid and communicate with people from various backgrounds. This concept is best described by his ability to do this.
Code-switching
One of the more significant themes in Born a Crime is the way in which people use humor to cope with hardship. This coping mechanism often reflects the broader reality of South African life under apartheid.
Resilience