Born a Crime Chapters Two and Three

 "“Neighbors would report on one another. The girlfriends of the white men in my mom's block of flats had every single reason to report a black woman—a prostitute, no doubt—living among them That's how a police state works—everyone thinks everyone else is the police.” Chapter 2 page 25

This shows just how bold and fearless Patricia had to be to move through a world governed by institutional racism. She was constantly at risk, not just from the law but also from her neighbors. Despite this, she refused to let the system define her life. She intentionally placed herself in spaces where she wasn’t allowed, took jobs she technically wasn’t permitted to have, and even had a child with a white man—something illegal under apartheid. Patricia challenged the system through her choices, her independence, and her refusal to conform to unjust laws. Trevor Noah’s early upbringing was shaped by his mother’s defiance and courage. He was raised to be aware of his situation, but not limited by it. She gave him books, took him to church, and exposed him to languages and culture beyond what was typical in his community. Her approach to parenting was both protective and empowering, trying to create a sense of freedom and possibility despite the restrictive world around them.

“In Soweto, religion filled the void left by absent men. I used to ask my mom if it was hard for her to raise me alone without a husband. She'd reply, ‘Just because I live without a man doesn't mean I've never had a husband. God is my husband.’ For my mom, my aunt, my grandmother, and all the other women on our street, life centered on faith.” Chapter 3 page 39

This passage stood out to me because it beautifully captures the strength and resilience of the women who raised Trevor Noah—and by extension, so many women around the world who raise families without male partners. It hit me emotionally because it shows how deeply faith can fill emotional, social, and even practical gaps when people are left to navigate the world on their own. In Soweto, where men were often absent due to work, death, or abandonment, women held their households and communities together. Patricia, Trevor’s mom, didn’t express sadness about raising him alone—instead, she drew strength from her belief in God. That line, “God is my husband,” really stuck with me. It reminded me of my own grandmother, who raised kids largely on her own and often spoke about “God providing” when things got hard. It made me reflect on how often faith serves not just as a belief system, but as a source of stability, purpose, and identity, especially in places where systems have failed people.

From this chapter, I also learned a lot about Soweto as a community—it was a place of hardship, definitely, but also one of deep cultural and spiritual life. Trevor’s early experiences there shaped how he viewed race, class, gender, and survival. It’s notable how humor, storytelling, and strong family bonds helped people get through tough times. Even in struggle, there was laughter, there was church, there was community. That contrast between scarcity and abundance—in resources versus love—is what made this chapter especially powerful for me.

Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime

 Kevin Hart is my favorite comedian because of his incredible energy, relatability, and ability to turn everyday situations into hilarious stories. His stand-up specials are always packed with humor, but it’s the way he connects with his audience that makes him stand out. He has this unique way of talking about his personal life, from family moments to his experiences as a parent, and he does it in a way that everyone can relate to, no matter their background. In addition to his humor, Kevin Hart is also incredibly motivating. In his interviews and social media, he often shares messages about hard work, perseverance, and pushing yourself to be better, which really resonates with me. His ability to make people laugh while also inspiring them is what makes him such a unique and powerful figure in comedy. 

According to Trevor Noah, the "genius of apartheid" was its ability to divide people by race and ethnicity, creating a system that controlled who interacted with whom, where people could go, and what they could do. It made people internalize the belief that they were inherently different from each other. This system kept groups of people isolated and pitted against one another, which made it easier for the government to maintain control. As for the Xhosa and Zulu tribes, one of the main differences lies in their language and cultural practices. Both tribes have rich histories, but the Xhosa people speak a different language from the Zulu, and they each have their own customs and traditions. There is also a history of rivalry between the two groups, influenced by both colonialism and their cultural differences.Trevor Noah’s very birth was considered a "crime" because, under apartheid laws, his mother, who was black, and his father, who was white, were not allowed to be in a relationship. The laws criminalized interracial relationships, so Noah’s existence was a direct violation of these racist regulations.

On page five, Noah recalls his mother throwing him out of a moving car when he was nine years old. At first, this might seem like a random act, but we later learn that his mother was deeply involved in religion and was very strict about it. She believed that the devil might be controlling Noah, which led her to take extreme actions in trying to protect him. The actual reason for him being thrown out of the car was because of his mother’s beliefs in spirituality and her desire to “save” him from evil forces. So far, Noah describes his relationship with his mother as complicated. She was loving but also tough on him. Despite her sometimes harsh methods, Noah has deep respect and admiration for her, and she plays a huge role in shaping his life and perspective 

Taocs come in soft shells or hard shells either one will give you a unique flavor combination. The toppings of your choice with different types of meat. You get the crunchy shell, juicy fillings like seasoned meat, or beans, and all the fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. It's a burst of flavors in every bite! In the video, Noah shares a hilarious moment where he first experiences tacos, and it’s striking because of his genuine enthusiasm and curiosity. His excitement over something so simple is relatable because food can be an experience that brings people joy, especially when it's something new and exciting.

Why Should Anyone Care?

 The issue I care about most is access to public services for immigrants. Across the United States, immigrants, both legal and undocumented, face significant barriers when trying to access basic public services such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance. Many immigrant communities are marginalized and lack the support systems that citizens typically rely on. This lack of access leads to poorer health outcomes, lower educational achievements, and limited economic opportunities, further perpetuating cycles of poverty and social inequality. The treatment of immigrants, especially in the context of public services, is a matter of both human rights and social justice, and addressing it would contribute to the broader goal of social equity. 

Companion: You don’t think you could ever really do anything about this issue, do you? It’s so big. There are so many factors involved, and the government doesn't seem interested in fixing it.

Me: Yeah, I know it feels overwhelming. There are political divisions, legal complexities, and even the sheer scale of the problem. It’s easy to feel like my individual actions won’t matter. But, Pollan’s essay really made me think about it differently. He argues that while it feels like our individual contributions are a drop in the bucket, those small actions do add up and can lead to larger cultural and political shifts. If we focus on small, actionable steps, even in the face of big problems, change can happen.

Companion: But don't you think it's just too big? The bureaucracy, the political opposition, how can anything an individual does really make a dent in that?

Me: I get it. It’s easy to get stuck in that thinking. But Pollan talks about the importance of acting anyway, even when it feels futile. He suggests that collective action, even on a small scale, can shift the way people think about an issue. If enough people care and take action, the ripple effect can influence larger systems. It’s like when a local movement to provide better access to healthcare or social services gains momentum. It might start small, but if more people are involved, it can gain traction and force the larger institutions to pay attention.

Companion: So, you think individual actions can actually lead to meaningful change?

Me: Absolutely. I think Pollan’s argument is that the collective action of many individuals, whether it’s voting, volunteering, or advocating for policies—adds up over time and builds momentum. The more people stand up for what they believe in, the more likely those ideas will start influencing larger systems. The key is to not be paralyzed by the size of the problem and instead take small steps that could eventually lead to more systemic change.

Companion: But what if it still feels like a drop in the ocean?

Me: Pollan addresses that too. He says that we have to let go of the idea that individual actions need to solve everything. It’s about being part of a larger movement. Even if we can’t solve all of the problems at once, taking meaningful steps is still valuable because it contributes to a collective effort. It’s not about expecting quick results—it’s about doing something now that will have long-term benefits. And, on a more personal level, it makes us feel more connected to the issue rather than disconnected from it.

Michael Pollan responds to the question, "Why bother?" in his essay by stating that although the concerns we face, such as climate change or other significant societal issues, are daunting, individual acts nonetheless have an impact. He clarifies that the main justification for caring is that minor, individual acts can lead to more significant, systemic change. Even though they might not be sufficient to address the full issue, these steps lay the groundwork for more significant societal changes. Additionally, Pollan highlights that individuals are the first to bring about change: if enough people make thoughtful, modest decisions, they may collectively bring about more significant social and political changes. The significance of acting in accordance with one's principles and the possibility of participation and hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles are two more strong arguments.

According to Wendell Berry and Michael Pollan, the problem of specialization—the reduction of responsibilities and focus in contemporary society—is the primary source of a number of industrial civilizational ills, such as social fragmentation, inequality, and environmental degradation. People who are only taught to do one thing become disengaged and fractured in their thinking, losing sight of the bigger picture and the greater good of society. People may comprehend and care about the world more fully in a healthier society if we abandon this strategy and promote holistic engagement instead. A greater sense of responsibility could be developed, for example, by encouraging people to take on numerous roles, such as combining farming with community involvement or business with environmental concern.

From Pollan’s essay, we can learn the importance of defining the problem clearly and breaking down large, complex issues into manageable parts. In our persuasive research proposal, it will be crucial to identify the specific problem, justify its importance, and offer a realistic solution. Pollan’s essay also stresses the significance of small actions and how they add up, which is something we should keep in mind when proposing a solution. While individual actions alone won’t solve the problem, they contribute to a larger movement that can influence policy and public opinion. This is especially relevant in our research proposal, where we need to show how small-scale interventions, like community-based programs or policy changes, can lead to greater change. 

Access to public services for immigrants, especially those who are undocumented, remains a significant issue in the United States. Many immigrants are unable to access essential services such as healthcare, legal assistance, and education, which hinders their ability to thrive and integrate into society. This leads to health disparities, educational inequities, and a lack of legal protection, contributing to cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement. The inability to access these services also exacerbates social tensions and divides communities. This issue affects not only immigrants but society as a whole. By denying immigrants access to public services, we perpetuate inequality and economic instability. Furthermore, immigrants are a vital part of the workforce and contribute to the economy, but without access to services that support their health, education, and legal rights, they cannot fully participate in society. Allowing immigrants access to public services would lead to a more just and equitable society, benefiting everyone in the long run. The solution lies in expanding eligibility for public services to include all immigrants, regardless of their legal status. This includes providing healthcare, educational support, and legal services that will enable immigrants to integrate more effectively into society. Additionally, community-based programs should be implemented to offer support services, such as legal counseling, language classes, and job training. These programs would not only help immigrants but also foster stronger, more cohesive communities. Studies show that immigrants who have access to healthcare, education, and legal services are more likely to contribute positively to society, with improved health outcomes, better educational achievements, and higher levels of employment. According to a 2017 report from the American Public Health Association, expanding access to healthcare for immigrants leads to healthier communities overall, reducing long-term healthcare costs and benefiting public health. 

The Coming Of John

Chimamanda Adichie argues that the potential danger of a single story is that it simplifies complicated, complex people into one-dimensional stereotypes. Insufficient understanding of a group of individuals is produced when only one story about them is given. This results in bias, misrepresentation, and a persistent lack of understanding for the variety and depth of experiences that exist within every group. The one tale ends up being the sole perspective used to evaluate people, which is damaging in addition to being untrue.

"Nkali" describes how power is used when one group dominates the discourse about another. Adichie offers the example of how Western media frequently presents Africa singularly, mostly in terms of poverty, conflict, and illness, which minimizes Africans to one-dimensional victims, to illustrate her point. According to Adichie, stereotypes have the problem of not only simplifying a culture or a group but also depriving it of its complexity by neglecting the diversity and depth of people's lives.

The most important idea I’ll take with me is Adichie’s call to tell multiple stories. The most important idea I’ll take with me is Adichie’s call to tell multiple stories. She stresses the value of hearing other viewpoints and life experiences in order to obtain a more complete and accurate picture of the world. She serves as a reminder that the complexity of human experience cannot ever be adequately conveyed by a single story. Every individual, every community, and every culture has a variety of tales to tell.

W.E.B. Du Bois introduces two individuals, both named John, who stand in for radically different experiences and life paths in Of the Coming of John. The white character, John Henderson, is raised in a wealthy, segregated world where his privilege and rank are upheld through education. However, while he attempts to get an education, the black character, John Jones, experiences racial injustice and discrimination. Jones's education signifies both a traumatic encounter with the harsh truths of racial discrimination and a personal emancipation, whereas Henderson's education serves as a means of validating his supremacy in society. 

I feel like in order to examine the wider ramifications of race, education, and inequality more universally and symbolically, W.E.B. DuBois may have decided to write Of the Coming of John as a fictional tale. Rather than merely narrating a situation from real life, Du Bois was able to illustrate the profound emotional and psychological impacts of racism through the use of fiction. By employing the lives of the two Johns as metaphors for the more significant structural problems of race and oppression that African Americans encountered, fiction also gave him the opportunity to craft a potent, emotionally stirring story. 

Education plays a transformative and painful role in the life of John Jones. As he becomes educated, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of the racial divide in his society. Preparing for a future career certainly has the potential to change a person. It can expand one's worldview, expose one to new ideas, and encourage critical thinking.

Despite his education, John Jones's potential is limited by the one narrative of racial inferiority that society has forced upon him. Similar to this, Adichie's talk discusses how a single narrative about Africa or any other group of people can minimize their diversity and humanity by reducing them to stereotypes. Both pieces emphasize how critical it is to challenge and go beyond these constricting views.

George Floyd, a Black man, was killed in May 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by a police officer who kneeled on his neck for more than nine minutes while making an arrest. This is one horrific example. The incident brought attention to the persistent problems of racial profiling, police brutality, and systematic racism in the US and led to significant protests and cries for racial justice. Even while there has been a lot of progress since the Jim Crow era, there are still large racial disparities, as demonstrated by Floyd's death and the protests that followed throughout the world.

Is My SmartPhone Hurting Me?

Twenge argues that smartphones are negatively impacting today’s youth, particularly Generation Z. She presents evidence showing a rise in mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety among teenagers, in relation to the increased use of smartphones and social media. One quote from Twenge’s article is: “The more time teens spend looking at screens, the more likely they are to report symptoms of depression.” This quote highlights her argument that excessive screen time is linked to a decline in mental well-being. She suggests that smartphones and social media platforms are replacing face-to-face interactions and contributing to loneliness and isolation among teens.  

On the other hand, Cavanagh challenges Twenge’s conclusions in her Psychology Today blog post. She argues that while there may be a correlation between smartphone use and mental health issues, it doesn’t necessarily mean that smartphones are the cause. Cavanagh points out that other factors may also contribute to the mental health issues seen in younger generations. She writes: “The studies she reviews largely ignore social contexts and how people differ, instead reporting only average effects and correlations. Emerging evidence indicates that like every other question psychologists can think to ask about human behavior, screen use and its association with psychological well-being varies based on a multitude of contextual and personal variables, such as how you use media, when you use it, and what else is going on in your life.”Cavanagh suggests that the focus should not be solely on the devices themselves, but on how they are integrated into people’s lives. 

From a personal standpoint, my experience with smartphones was very different. I got my first smartphone in middle school, and it significantly impacted how I interacted with the world. On one hand, having constant access to information, friends, and entertainment was incredibly convenient and helped me stay connected. However, I also recognize how much time I spent scrolling through social media or mindlessly checking my phone, which could make me feel disconnected from the present moment. If I left my phone in a drawer for a day, I would definitely miss it at least at first. I’d likely feel disconnected from certain social circles, but I’d also appreciate the freedom from constant notifications and the ability to focus more on tasks or personal reflection.

The lesson I think we can learn about smartphones from these articles is that their impact depends on how they’re used. Smartphones can be both beneficial and harmful, and the key lies in finding a balance. They can help us stay connected, learn, and access resources, but they also have the potential to cause distraction, isolation, and mental health issues when used excessively. The challenge is being intentional with how we use them, setting boundaries, and making conscious choices about when and how to engage with our devices.

Blog Deep Dive

Things I Want: A new laptop, I want to take a vacation, I want a personal library, I want a walk-in closet, I want a new car, I want to learn how to paint, I want to live abroad.

The Jury Is Still On: How effective are dieting methods, Is social media really good for mental health, is working from home more effective than going to the office, is taking cold showers better than hot ones, how well is the skincare routine effective on my skin or should I invest in more expensive brands for skincare.

My Media and Obsessions: The Office, Modern Family, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube murder mysteries, Travel Vlogs, Fantasy novels, Podcasts on true crime Stephanie Soo specifically. 

Things that Bother Me:  When people don't say excuse me, when I don't get personal space, people interrupt me when I'm talking, ads on a website or YouTube, when someone bumps into you and doesn't say sorry, people talking loud in a library, slow walkers, loud chewing, people cutting in line.

Both shows, The Office and Modern Family, are sitcoms that use a style of mockumentary-style filming. Creating scenes where characters talk about their feelings and reactions to different scenarios. Both shows use humor to make the audience intrigued, they also often exaggerate the characters' personalities, showing different types of scenarios that viewers can relate to. Both shows have group relationships that are the main focus of the show and how their everyday lifestyle and work environment end up going at the end of the day. Additionally, the two shows showcase humor and heartfelt moments, bringing comedy and emotional feelings to the show. 

While both shows are set in mockumentary-style filming, the two take place in different scenes and environments, The Office takes place in a workplace corporate environment focusing on the lives of the employees in the company. Often, they use humor that is deemed cringeworthy, dry, and awkward. The main character, Micheal Scott, does most of the comedy in The Office. On the other hand, Modern Family revolves around the lives of three families and is focused on family dynamics and family relationships. The humor in Modern Family is a traditional sitcom tone, and the family members, particularly characters like Phil Dunphy, are often portrayed as well-meaning but goofy in a way that creates an endearing vibe. Additionally, Modern Family has a lighter tone, illustrating the complexities of family life while lovingly and acceptingly embracing each character's flaws, in contrast to The Office, which has a tendency to be more cynical and frequently features characters making commentary on the ridiculousness of corporate life. 

Deep Dive with Sherlock Holmes, Fairies, and the Devil Baby of Hull House

Conan Doyle failed to be a good detective himself, he had heard that two girls had photographed fairies and convinced himself that they were real. He failed to confirm its authenticity by not investigating and considering other ways the fairies were photographed, including the possibility of them being fraudulent pictures. He placed all his trust in these girls rather than a believable explanation. 

The author discovers that many of these women have some things in common like motherhood and its struggles. They explain that these mothers look for a probable explanation for their hardships in order to find an explanation for their own hardships. One of these women had birthed a baby with a deformed face and had gone to spirituality linking her baby with the one in the story. many of these stories highlight the sense of meaning, especially with women or other humans who are going through a sense of powerlessness in their lives. 

I do particularly agree with Doyle whether it is all the superficial being that stems out of his story.  Most of the time it would come out from a deep emotional or psychological need. going deep into these beliefs are ways people can cope with not knowing where these answers could lead. 

The Chupacabra is a creature believed to lurk in Latin America, especially in Mexico and Puerto Rico, and is one of the most terrifying creatures. Although they have differing descriptions of the creature, it is most typically portrayed as a reptilian beast with glowing eyes, spines on its back, and bloodlust. The word "Chupacabra" translates to "goat sucker" in Spanish. Portraying the animal to attack and drain the blood of its livestock, especially goats. The locals in Puerto Rico discovered livestock with wounds on its necks with their blood drained in the 1990s. Numerous other accounts have surfaced throughout the Americas, igniting the legend once more. I believe there would be other creatures that may or may not do this, hence why I'm in the middle of believing this and not. Even though I have not heard of any other animal draining the blood of goats, it's unexplainable how this could have occurred, making me believe there could be a "Chupacabra" out there making these events more believable.