Question

Born A Crime

Chapter 1
Why do you think faith and the church meant so much to Trevor’s mother during Apartheid? What do the differences between "black church" and "white church" say about the divergent experiences of those two communities in Cape Town?
How does the incident with the minibus driver illustrate the "divide and conquer" tactic that the Apartheid government utilized to control the black majority in South Africa? Where do you see this strategy at work in our own society and what are its effects?
Chapter 2
Which Apartheid policies or practices enrage you the most? Do you see any of these codes or attitudes reflected in American society? In your mind, what makes institutionalized racism so "unsustainable and incoherent," as Noah remarks (p. 21)?
What do you think of Patricia Noah’s decision to have Trevor? What did it represent to her to bring him into the world? Are you practicing this kind of holy or righteous defiance in your own life?

Answer 1

Faith and the church were important to Trevor's mother during Apartheid for solace and empowerment. The differences between 'black church' and 'white church' reflected divergent experiences. The incident with the minibus driver illustrates the 'divide and conquer' tactic of the Apartheid government.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Apartheid South Africa, faith and the church held great significance for Trevor's mother as a means of finding solace, hope, and empowerment amidst the oppressive regime. The church also provided a sense of community and support for black individuals who faced discrimination and marginalization. The differences between the 'black church' and 'white church' reflected the divergent experiences of the two communities in Cape Town. The 'black church' often served as a space for resistance, activism, and cultural preservation, while the 'white church' often perpetuated and justified apartheid policies.

The incident with the minibus driver illustrates the 'divide and conquer' tactic employed by the Apartheid government to control the black majority. By inciting tension and conflict between different black groups (Zulu and Xhosa), the government sought to maintain its power and divide the opposition. This strategy can be seen in our own society through tactics such as gerrymandering, voter suppression, and the perpetuation of racial and socioeconomic inequalities.

One of the most enraging Apartheid policies was the systematic racial segregation and deprivation of political and civil rights inflicted upon the black majority. This policy of apartheid, which was characterized by dehumanization and the denial of basic human rights, is reminiscent of policies and attitudes that persist in American society, such as systemic racism, racial profiling, and disparities in education, healthcare, and criminal justice.

Institutionalized racism is deemed 'unsustainable and incoherent' by Noah because it perpetuates social divisions, hinders progress, and undermines the principles of equality and justice. By denying opportunities and equal treatment based on race, institutionalized racism limits the potential and contributions of individuals and communities, ultimately weakening society as a whole.

Patricia Noah's decision to have Trevor represented her resilience, defiance, and hope for a better future. Despite the challenges of raising a mixed-race child under apartheid, she believed in the power of love and the potential for change. In our own lives, practicing holy or righteous defiance means standing up against injustice, prejudice, and inequality, and actively working towards a more equitable and inclusive society.