Gavin Liu, G 10, BASIS International School Shenzhen

Trevor Noah, a comedian known for his stand-up performances and hosting “The Daily Show,” had a challenging childhood in South Africa. Despite his comedic persona, his upbringing was marked by difficulty.

Born to a white Swiss father and a Black South African mother, Noah’s existence as a mixed-race child was deemed illegal during apartheid, leading to him being “born a crime.”

South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy, symbolized by Nelson Mandela’s election as president, did not erase the lingering effects of apartheid.

One memorable incident from his childhood occurred when Noah accidentally perforated his cousin Bulewa’s eardrum while playing with matches. His grandmother, apprehensive about disciplining a white child, expressed her fear by saying, “I don’t know how to hit a white child... I’m so afraid. I am not going to touch him.”

Noah never truly felt a sense of belonging to any racial group, be it white or Black. Growing up in the shadows of apartheid, he faced disparate treatment in his own family, and within his neighborhood. Unlike the usual practice at funerals where friends and acquaintances ate outside, he was always invited indoors by the families. They would say, “You can’t let the white child stand outside. Bring him in here.”

These experiences played a significant role in shaping the witty Trevor Noah we see today. His memoir, “Born a Crime,” delves into his childhood experiences and explores the themes of love, friendship, and family.

One remarkable aspect is Noah’s resistance against social norms and his determination to break through the societal barriers hindering his vision and dreams.

The Black community in South Africa continued to grapple with the aftermath of apartheid, facing hardships and a lack of opportunities. Noah writes, “We tell people to follow your dreams, but you can dream of what you can imagine, and, depending on where you come from, your imagination can be quite limited.”

Despite harsh living conditions and limited prospects during his upbringing, Noah had his mother as his guiding light, exposing him to experiences that broke the boundaries of Black cultural norms. “My mother showed me what was possible,” he writes. Noah learned different tongues from his mother, whose ability to communicate with different people impressed upon him the power of language. One incident stands out: While walking down the street, Noah overheard a group of Zulus planning to mug him, thinking he was white. To their surprise, Noah turned around and spoke to them influent Zulu. This unexpected display of linguistic skill confused and disarmed the group, even leading to their apology. Through language, Noah became a “chameleon,” who could change people’s perception of his color and adapted to societies where he previously didn’t belong.

He also found ways to fit in at school. During lunchtime, for example, he capitalized on his speed by assisting slower students in buying food from the store, charging them extra for his efforts. He also used humor as a means of connecting with different groups of kids.

In his teenage years, Noah engaged in illegal activities, such as copying and selling CDs, but with his own determination and support from his mother, he left that part of his life behind and aspired for a better future.

Despite being born a “crime” under the racially oppressive circumstances of apartheid-era South Africa, Noah’s ability to learn multiple languages, use humor, and understand his place in the world prevented him from being swept away by societal challenges.

The transformation of a young, mixed-race South African child, growing up in the shadows of apartheid, into one of the most talented TV comedians is truly remarkable. Each obstacle in Noah’s life only fueled his determination, ultimately leading to his success.