Message

One of the most powerful messages expressed in Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is that people are not defined by their race or skin color. Trevor, who identifies as black, was raised by his mother with the idea that he should live his life without thinking about the limitations of his race. Trevor proves that his experiences define him and that race should not be the only argument in the discussion about identity.

In this light, Trevor Noah’s autobiography highlights the influence of parents on their children’s lives. Patricia, who has lived in a poor neighborhood and has known setbacks and limitations, is determined to show her son that there is more to life than living as a black person in the ghetto. She teaches Trevor English, buys him books, and treats him like an adult by teaching him how to develop his mind (Chapter 5, p. 75). On this note, t...