Chapter 2: Born a Crime

This chapter delves into the heart of Trevor Noah's unique identity and the circumstances of his birth. It provides crucial context for understanding the author's experiences and the socio-political landscape of South Africa during apartheid.

Trevor explains the meaning behind the book's title, "Born a Crime". His very existence was illegal under apartheid laws, as his father was white and his mother was black. This interracial relationship was strictly forbidden, making Trevor's birth a criminal act.

Definition: Apartheid - A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that existed in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.

The chapter offers a detailed look at the apartheid system:

• People were rigidly classified by race
• Different racial groups had vastly different rights and privileges
• Interracial relationships and mixed-race children were outlawed

Highlight: Trevor's mother, Patricia, is portrayed as a rebellious figure who defied apartheid laws by living in a white area and having a child with a white man (Robert).

The consequences of Trevor's illegal status were severe and far-reaching:

• His parents couldn't be seen together in public
• Trevor couldn't be seen with either parent without risking arrest or worse
• His very existence had to be kept secret

Example: Trevor describes how his mother would have to drop his hand and pretend not to know him if police approached when they were in public together.

This chapter lays the foundation for understanding Trevor's complex identity and the challenges he faced growing up as a mixed-race child in a society built on racial separation.

Chapter 3: Trevor, Pray

This chapter provides a vivid portrayal of life in the black suburbs of Johannesburg, highlighting the harsh living conditions and the interplay between traditional beliefs and Christianity.

Trevor recounts a humorous yet revealing incident from his childhood:

1. At his grandmother's house, he defecated on a newspaper out of fear of using the outdoor toilet.
2. His family, unaware of the true culprit, believed the house was haunted by a demon.
3. Trevor was instructed to pray in English to banish the supposed demon.

Highlight: The family's belief that God would more readily answer prayers in English reflects the internalized racism and colonial mentality prevalent at the time.

The chapter explores several important themes:

1. Living conditions in black townships:

   • Lack of proper sanitation
   • Overcrowded housing
   • Limited access to basic amenities

2. The fusion of traditional African beliefs with Christianity:

   • Belief in demons and supernatural occurrences
   • The power attributed to prayer and religious rituals

3. The perceived superiority of the English language:

   • Associated with white people and therefore seen as more powerful
   • Used in formal settings and education

Quote: "Trevor had to pray in English for him to go away (it was assumed that God answers prayers in English more easily since it is the language of the white people)"

This chapter provides insight into the cultural and social environment that shaped Trevor's early years, highlighting the complexities of race, language, and religion in post-apartheid South Africa.

Chapter 4: Chameleon

This chapter focuses on Trevor's growing awareness of racial dynamics and his ability to navigate different social groups. It also touches on the changes in South African society following the end of apartheid.

Key points:

1. Trevor's realization of the apartheid system:

   • He previously thought he was treated differently because of his individual identity
   • He begins to understand the broader racial classifications and their impact

2. Trevor's linguistic abilities:

   • He learns multiple languages
   • This skill allows him to blend in with various racial and ethnic groups

Highlight: Trevor's ability to speak multiple languages becomes a powerful tool for social navigation and survival in a racially divided society.

3. Educational opportunities post-apartheid:

   • Trevor's mother's job enables him to attend a private Catholic school
   • The school, while integrated, still shows signs of racial segregation

4. Class divisions based on academic performance:

   • Smarter students (predominantly white) placed in higher-level classes
   • Less academically successful students (predominantly black) in lower-level classes

Example: Despite qualifying for the "smarter" class, Trevor chooses to join the predominantly black class, demonstrating his complex relationship with racial identity.

This chapter illustrates Trevor's growing understanding of racial dynamics and his strategic navigation of these complexities. It also highlights the lingering effects of apartheid even after its official end, particularly in educational settings.

Chapter 5: The Second Girl

This chapter provides a poignant look at the life of Trevor's mother, Patricia, offering insight into her background and the sacrifices she made for her family.

Key aspects of Patricia's life:

1. Early life:

   • Lived with many cousins at her aunt's house
   • Experienced extreme poverty, sometimes resorting to eating dirt or animal food

2. Education and career:

   • Despite hardships, she attended school
   • Became a secretary, a significant achievement for a black woman at the time

3. Family responsibilities:

   • As the second eldest girl, she had to take care of the family
   • Her job as a secretary made her the primary breadwinner

4. Journey to independence:

   • Fled to the city to escape family obligations
   • Met Robert (Trevor's father) and had Trevor
   • Moved to Eden Park, establishing her own household

Quote: "Trevor tries to keep all doors open, to give him everything she has"

This chapter highlights Patricia's resilience, determination, and sacrifices. It provides context for understanding her character and her influence on Trevor's upbringing.

Highlight: Patricia's journey from extreme poverty to relative independence illustrates the challenges faced by black women in apartheid-era South Africa and the strength required to overcome them.

The chapter title, "The Second Girl," refers to Patricia's position in her family hierarchy, which shaped her early responsibilities and ultimately her desire for independence.

Chapter 6: Loopholes

This chapter focuses on Trevor's behavior as a child and the creative parenting methods his mother employed to manage his mischievous tendencies.

Key points:

1. Trevor's challenging behavior:

   • Described as a difficult child
   • Frequently misbehaved at school and church
   • Had to change schools due to his conduct

2. Patricia's innovative parenting approach:

   • Decided to communicate with Trevor through letters
   • This method allowed for communication without arguments
   • Inadvertently helped Trevor improve his written English skills

Highlight: The letter-writing strategy showcases Patricia's resourcefulness and determination to find effective ways to parent her challenging son.

3. Escalation of Trevor's misbehavior:

   • Burned down a house belonging to a white family
   • Earned the nickname "Terror" due to his actions

4. Introduction of Abel:

   • Patricia's friend who worked for the family whose house Trevor burned
   • Moved in with Trevor and Patricia, likely as a stabilizing influence

Vocabulary: Loopholes - In this context, it refers to clever or unexpected ways of dealing with problems or rules, which both Trevor (in his mischief) and Patricia (in her parenting) employ.

This chapter provides insight into Trevor's childhood behavior and his mother's creative attempts to manage it. It also introduces Abel, who would become Trevor's stepfather, hinting at the changing family dynamics.

Chapter 7: Fufi

This chapter revolves around Trevor's experiences with pets, particularly his beloved dog Fufi. The stories here offer insights into love, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life in their community.

Key events and themes:

1. The family's first pets:

   • Two black cats
   • Killed due to neighbors' superstitions
   • Trevor wasn't particularly affected by their loss

2. The dogs: Fufi and Panther

   • Fufi belonged to Trevor, Panther to his mother
   • Fufi was deaf, but the family initially thought she was unintelligent

3. Fufi's secret life:

   • The dog could jump over the property wall
   • Spent days with another family when Trevor's family was out
   • Trevor discovered this during a school vacation

Quote: "That day Trevor learned an important lesson about love"

4. The tragic end:
   • A burglar severely injured Fufi
   • The dog had to be euthanized

Highlight: The story of Fufi serves as a metaphor for love and loyalty, showing how love can be shared without diminishing its value for each recipient.

5. Cultural context:
   • The killing of the black cats highlights superstitions in the community
   • The burglary that led to Fufi's death reflects the high crime rates in their area

This chapter uses the theme of pets to explore deeper issues of love, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life in Trevor's community. It also provides a touching glimpse into Trevor's emotional development as a child.

Chapter 8: Robert

This chapter focuses on Trevor's relationship with his biological father, Robert, and their reconnection after years of separation.

Key points:

1. Robert's initial involvement:

   • Distanced himself from Trevor after birth
   • Decided to let Trevor live his own life

2. Loss of contact:

   • After Patricia married Abel, contact with Robert ceased completely
   • Trevor and Robert didn't see each other for about 10 years

3. Reconnection:

   • At age 24, Trevor decided to reconnect with his father
   • The process was challenging, eventually facilitated through the Swiss embassy

4. The reunion:

   • Robert had never forgotten Trevor
   • He had been following Trevor's career through media appearances

5. Trevor's attempt to know his father:

   • Robert remained reserved
   • He was reluctant to reveal much about himself

Highlight: Despite years of separation, Robert had maintained a connection to Trevor's life through his public appearances, showing a silent but persistent interest in his son's life.

Quote: "As it turns out, Robert has never forgotten his son and has always been able to follow him through Trevor's media appearances"

This chapter explores themes of family, identity, and the complexities of father-son relationships, especially in the context of Trevor's unique family situation. It provides insight into the lasting impact of apartheid on family structures and relationships.

Chapter 9: The Mulberry Tree

This chapter explores life in post-apartheid South Africa, focusing on the changes and challenges that came with the end of the racist regime.

Key points:

1. Transition period:

   • The chapter discusses the immediate aftermath of apartheid's end
   • It highlights the complexities of a society in transition

2. Lingering effects of apartheid:

   • Despite legal changes, social and economic disparities persisted
   • The chapter likely explores how these continued to affect Trevor and his community

3. Personal experiences:

   • Trevor shares his observations and experiences during this pivotal time in South African history
   • The mulberry tree may serve as a metaphor or a significant location in these experiences

Highlight: The title "The Mulberry Tree" suggests a focus on growth, change, and perhaps the sweetness that comes after struggle, mirroring South Africa's journey post-apartheid.

4. Challenges of integration:

   • The chapter likely discusses the difficulties of bringing together communities that were previously segregated
   • It may explore personal stories of adaptation and conflict during this period

5. Hope and progress:

   • While acknowledging ongoing challenges, the chapter probably also touches on positive changes and reasons for optimism in the new South Africa

This chapter provides valuable insight into the realities of post-apartheid South Africa, offering a personal perspective on a significant period of national transformation. It likely balances the challenges of this era with moments of progress and hope for the future.

Chapter 1: Run

This chapter introduces readers to Trevor Noah's unconventional upbringing and his mother's unwavering faith. The story revolves around a harrowing incident that showcases the dangers and complexities of life in post-apartheid South Africa.

Trevor describes his family's weekly ritual of attending church, which involves visiting three different congregations - white, black, and mixed. This practice reflects the lingering racial divisions in society even after the official end of apartheid.

Highlight: Trevor's mother, Patricia, is portrayed as a devout Christian who insists on attending church every Sunday, regardless of circumstances.

One fateful Sunday, their car breaks down, forcing the family to rely on alternative transportation. This leads to a series of events that put their lives in danger:

1. They take an illegal minibus taxi to church.
2. On the return journey, they hitchhike with a stranger.
3. A jealous minibus driver, enraged by the loss of potential customers, pursues them.
4. The situation escalates when the driver learns of Patricia's political views.

Quote: "The minibus driver learns about Patricia's political opinions and tries to kill her too."

The chapter culminates in a dramatic escape, with Trevor, his brother, and his mother jumping from a moving vehicle to save their lives.

Vocabulary: Minibus - A small bus used for public transportation, often operating informally or illegally in South Africa during this period.

This opening chapter sets the tone for the book, highlighting the ever-present danger and unpredictability of life in South Africa during Trevor's youth, as well as his mother's courage and resourcefulness.