Trevor Noah’s Born A Crime: How surroundings changes his view on the world
Our surroundings can be shaped by the limited experiences we have. Trevor Noah’s memoir, Born A Crime is about the one and only hilarious comedian who grew up in South Africa as a mixed kid during apartheid. He explains some of the struggles and hardships that not only he, but his family went though. Through his own experiences, Noah illuminates the ways individuals can be shaped by their surroundings. Born A Crime shows that everyone doesn’t live the same life you do and the world is bigger than you think.
One’s surroundings can shape their moral compass. Trevor is shocked by the fact that when white people lose something, they get insurance for it, or in other words,
…show more content…
Growing up in Malvern, Pennsylvania, my parents would go on and on about how the school system is highly advanced and has many well qualified teachers. This is what they’ve been telling me since I was little, so it’s what I believe to this day. Trevor’s mom, also played a key role in Trevor’s perception about school. Growing up in South Africa, school systems weren’t great, and Trevor’s mom realized this. She made a point to teach him lessons such as empathy, respect, and much more. Trevor portrays this by saying, “My mom did what school didn’t. She taught me how to think.” (Noah 68). His mothers teaching provided him with a new perspective than what he received in school. Trevor grew up in a world where education was designed to perpetuate the apartheid system, but his mothers lesson provided him with a critical perspective on the world. Trevor’s mom really shaped Trevor into who he is today. Trevor reflects on his mother actions by saying, “My mother showed me what was possible. The thing that always amazed me about her life was that no one showed her. No one chose her. She did it on her own”(Noah 30). Noah’s idea shows that you can also be inspired by your surroundings, especially those who got thrown bricks at and still achieved success. His mothers tenacity and resilience served as a model for Trevor to follow, which he did. He hosts the “Daily Show”, he’s a famous and successful comedian, he’s won multiple awards and more. And he did it by himself, just like his