“It always seems impossible until it is done.” - Nelson Mandela. Growing up during the time of apartheid in South Africa was not easy. Constant racism and violence left many people starving and hurt, or worse, dead. In a time of darkness, it was hard to find the endurance to keep going, especially when many thought apartheid would never end. Trevor Noah grew up in South Africa and experienced it all during this time. From riots, to bullying at school, to abusive stepfathers, Trevor's childhood was not easy. His memoir, Born a Crime, shows some of his memories and stories from his childhood. Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah shows the theme of courage and perseverance through several experiences throughout the book and the effect that church and religion had on him and his family. …show more content…
In the text, it states, “She’d tell me not to worry. She always came back to the phrase she lived by: “If God is with me, who can be against me?” She was never scared. Even when she should have been”(13). This quote shows Trevor's mom's response to the riots and the amazing courage she has. Even as a young child, Trevor experienced this type of conflict, but his mom's courage to leave the house and go onto the streets for work so she could provide for her family showed an incredible amount of bravery and left a lasting impression on Trevor. This is just one example that shows the importance of the themes of courage and perseverance in the