What is a smiley in born a crime?

What is a Smiley in Born a Crime?

Born a Crime is a memoir written by Trevor Noah, a South African comedian, and television host. The book is a heartwarming and heart-wrenching account of Trevor’s childhood, growing up as a mixed-race child in apartheid South Africa. In the book, Trevor shares his experiences, struggles, and triumphs, and one of the most significant themes is the concept of a "smiley". In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of a smiley in Born a Crime.

What is a Smiley?

A smiley is a term used by Trevor to describe a person who is born with a smile, literally and figuratively. According to Trevor, a smiley is someone who is born with a natural ability to make people laugh, to bring joy and happiness to those around them. A smiley is not just someone who is naturally funny, but someone who has a way of making others feel seen, heard, and loved.

The Smiley in Trevor’s Life

Trevor Noah was born to a white Swiss father and a black South African mother during apartheid, a time when interracial relationships were illegal. As a mixed-race child, Trevor faced many challenges and struggles, including being rejected by his father and being forced to live on the streets. Despite these challenges, Trevor’s mother, Patricia, was a smiley who brought joy and laughter to those around her. She was a strong and courageous woman who fought against the apartheid regime and raised Trevor and his older half-sister, Thembi, with love and care.

The Smiley as a Coping Mechanism

For Trevor, being a smiley was a coping mechanism. Growing up in a world where he was constantly reminded of his differences, Trevor found solace in making people laugh. Laughter was a way for him to connect with others, to feel like he belonged, and to momentarily forget about the difficulties he faced. As a smiley, Trevor was able to bring people together, to make them forget about their differences, and to create a sense of community and belonging.

The Smiley as a Form of Resistance

The smiley was also a form of resistance against the apartheid regime. In a world where people were forced to live in fear and oppression, the smiley was a way for Trevor to assert his humanity and to challenge the status quo. By making people laugh, Trevor was able to bring attention to the absurdity and injustice of the apartheid system, and to inspire others to fight against it.

The Smiley as a Legacy

The smiley is not just a term used to describe a person, but a legacy that Trevor’s mother, Patricia, left behind. Patricia’s smiley was a way for her to show love and care to those around her, and to bring joy and happiness to a world that often seemed dark and bleak. Trevor’s memoir is a testament to the power of the smiley, and the impact that one person can have on the lives of others.

Conclusion

In Born a Crime, Trevor Noah shares his experiences as a mixed-race child growing up in apartheid South Africa. The concept of a smiley is a central theme in the book, and is used to describe a person who is born with a natural ability to make people laugh and bring joy to those around them. The smiley is not just a term, but a way of life, a way of coping with the challenges and struggles of the world, and a way of spreading love and happiness. Trevor’s memoir is a powerful reminder of the importance of the smiley, and the impact that one person can have on the lives of others.

Key Takeaways

• A smiley is a person who is born with a natural ability to make people laugh and bring joy to those around them.
• The smiley is a coping mechanism for Trevor, a way to connect with others and feel like he belongs.
• The smiley is a form of resistance against the apartheid regime, a way to assert one’s humanity and challenge the status quo.
• The smiley is a legacy left behind by Trevor’s mother, Patricia, a way to show love and care to those around her.

Table: Characteristics of a Smiley

Bibliography

Noah, T. (2016). Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood. Spiegel & Grau.