Clara Hammer's Writing Blog

In this classic bit from 2015, what essential points does Trevor Noah make about how smartphones have changed us as human beings? Do you agree? Smartphones have changed the way we physically call people and the “sense of power” that certain aspects of a landline provided, according to Noah. Cellphones are helping us “devolve” because they are changing the way we carry ourselves, our posture, the way we connect with others and ourselves, and our ability to articulate ourselves. I agree that there are dangers to cellphones, but I hope we begin to rely on them less soon.  In chapter six, Noah relates how his connection with his mother was like “the relationship between a cop and criminal in the movies—the relentless detective and the devious mastermind she’s determined to catch” (80). What were some notable events in this chapter that illustrate this?   The notes that Trevor and his mother wrote to one another are a great example of their dynamic. These notes primarily serve...

1. In this section, he was explaining the way he would often be spoken about in other languages when people did not know he spoke their language. Noah noticed that their attitude would consistently change when they realized he was “like them.” 2. Because Noah was not fully black, he was often treated differently within his community growing up and even by people like his grandfather. Due to Noah being mixed race he was able to change the way he acted, the language he spoke, and who he interacted with to “fit in” with a variety of groups. 3. The “black tax” is the burden black families suffered from due to remnants of apartheid and systematic racism. Many families are financially burdened due to their older relatives having missed opportunities and disadvantages caused by racism.  Noah's mother was responsible for paying for things older family members needed because she had the highest-paying job. Noah’s mother told him not to “cry about the past” but to learn from it and “let the ...

1. I do not make a point to watch stand-up comedians, but I have seen some of Trevor Noah’s work and I enjoyed it. Humor is a very powerful way to connect to people, it can allow you to develop a relationship and understanding with another person in a matter of seconds. Humor also helps us process and avoid complex topics we currently lack. 2. The “genius of apartheid” was deceiving the group of people who comprised the “overwhelming” majority to hate one another so they could be easily controlled. The main difference Trevor Noah points out is that the Zulu are relentlessly focused on combat; they fought colonial powers with “spears and shields.” The Xhosa also tried to fight the colonizers physically but were more focused on the intellectual side of the conflict. After apartheid fell, South Africa began a civil war. Noah’s birth represented a mixing of two groups who were starkly divided and despised one another. By being born, he forced the Zulu and Xhosa to attempt to mesh. 3. Trevo...