Born a Crime

By Trevor Noah

Personal reflection - Trevor Noah

At the heart of Born a Crimelies the extraordinary bond between Trevor and his mother, Patricia . Her unconditional love, unwavering support, and unconvectional parenting are central to his survival and success.
The book beautifully potrays a mother's determination to give her son opportinuties despite the legal and social barriers they faced.
Their relationship is a powerful example of resilience, faith, and the enduring impact of a mother's love in shaping a child's life.

The Color of Laughter

By Bright Karanja

The Color of Laughter: Aims to capture both the significant role of race in Noah's narrative and the surprising and effective use of humor as a tool for survival and understanding. It suggests a story where serious issues are explored with intelligence and a disarming sense of humor.

Color: This directly alludes to the central theme of race and identity that permeates the book. Noah's experiences are deeply shaped by the absurd and often brutal racial classifications of apartheid South Africa. His very existence as a mixed-race child defined so much of his early life.

Laughter: Despite the serious and often difficult subject matter, humor is a constant thread throughout the memoir. Noah uses wit and comedic timing to navigate and make sense of his challenging circumstances. The book is genuinely funny, and this title would highlight that crucial aspect of his storytelling and his resilience.

Born a Crime - Individual reflection

"Abel wanted a traditional marriage with a traditional wife… but he never fell in love with subservient women… 'He only wants a woman who is free because his dream is to put her in a cage.'”

Think about it, Abel was drawn to women with their spirit and independence. He didn't want someone meek or submissive. Yet, his ultimate desire was to confine them within the rigid structure of a "traditional marriage," effectively clipping their wings. This isn't just a reflection of apartheid-era South Africa; it echoes in present-day relationships too.

We often see individuals who were initially attracted to a partner's strength and ambition, only to later feel threatened by it. This can manifest in precise ways, discouragement of career goals, expectations of primary responsibility for domestic duties, or even emotional manipulation that slowly erodes a partner's self-governance. The "cage" isn't always bars; it can be built with expectations and control.

Abel's contradiction reveals a deep-seated patriarchal mindset. He appreciates the idea of a free woman, perhaps even enjoys the initial challenge and vibrancy she brings. But ultimately, he seeks the comfort and control of a traditional power dynamic. This resonates today when we see individuals who pay lip service to equality but struggle with truly equitable partnerships. They might admire a partner's success externally but resent the shift in traditional roles within the home.

Noah's insight is a powerful reminder to examine our own expectations and desires in relationships. Are we truly celebrating our partners' freedom, or do we conceal a suppressed desire to contain it? Recognizing this potential "cage of admiration" is the first step towards building truly equal and liberating partnerships.