Trevor Noah’s funny and heartfelt memoir Born A Crime was published in 2009. The book opens in South Africa, Noah’s home, during apartheid. It continues through Noah’s childhood and adolescence until South Africa abolished apartheid. Trevor and his mother attend church at three different churches every Sunday. Noah’s mom is deeply religious and Noah needs to follow her lead. She provides security and helps him become independent. He is able to succeed and survive because of her. My mom did things that school couldn’t. She taught my how to think. We should not teach a child the same way that we teach if they don’t know how to learn. Their parent is the child’s best and most important teacher. The only thing that matters is your ability to survive, no matter what. “He [the driving force] raced along Oxford Road…She looked at the approaching road from her window and then whispered to Trevor, ‘Trevor’. Trevor, now nine years old, was then thrown from the moving vehicle. His mother arrived just in time to help him escape the peril. It’s not always easy, but moms have a way to ensure you endure. Even though it is not easy, moms always have a plan to make sure you are successful. Set a goal every day and get out of bed each morning. My mom used to say “If you don’t believe you can win”, and Noah makes it clear that Noah loves his mom. Noah considers family essential, as is gratitude for what they have. This section discusses his mom. He continues the conversation by expressing gratitude that his mom gave him such opportunities. His qualities are: being willing to put in work, concern, and fearlessness. His interest is obvious, but his love for his family is apparent. The perseverance and love of a mother. Born A Crime is a fascinating read. However, his disturbing portrayal about his mother’s inflicted marriage, his unheard request to assist her, and the possible fate that awaited her show the fatal flaw in man-centric social systems where women feel more comfortable enduring domestic maltreatment than seeking legal assistance. His mom was a strong woman who believed in herself and did her best to protect her children and marriage, regardless of the mishaps caused by political discontent and household instability. I was struck by his mother’s outlook on life. It takes remarkable solidarity to accept a framework. Apartheid expected her to be more than she would, but she refused to give up on her children, society, or herself. She was uncompromising in her confidence, as are a few others, and she won’t let her husband down. “I learned more about relationships than violence and love. Love is creative. A new world is created when someone loves you. My mother did this for me and, with the progress and lessons I had learned, I was able to create a new world.” Trevor has learned from her how to love, forgive, and persevere. Our children are taught to not give up when they fail. My mother taught that I should keep trying even though it may take months, years or even days to succeed. Trust God and be patient. Trusting in God and asking questions are what will help me get through any situation. It was only after I had my own family that I realized how important all the lessons she taught me, which school did not.
