Chapter 15: Born a Crime

In this passage from Trevor Noah's "Born a Crime," Noah employs hindsight wisdom to reflect on the impact of his friend Andrew's assistance in navigating the world of music piracy and enjoying the privileges it brought, such as endless McDonald's. Noah contrasts the opportunities available to Andrew, who had access to education and resources, with the limitations imposed on him and his family due to historical oppression. Through the lens of hindsight, Noah recognizes the importance of improving those who are excluded, highlighting the systemic inequalities that impeded the progress of his community. By drawing on his own experiences, Noah conveys a significant point on the importance of addressing the underlying causes of disparities rather than simply advocating individual responsibility.

Additionally, Noah employs a powerful analogy to explain the global issue of inequality in society. He challenges the popular saying, "Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime," by highlighting the missing component – the provision of essential tools like a fishing rod. Through this analogy, Noah articulates the need for privileged individuals to recognize their role in addressing systemic inequalities. The analogy emphasizes that raw capacity alone is insufficient without access to the appropriate tools and knowledge, and it serves as a metaphor for the imbalance of resources and chances. In doing so, Noah communicates the complex interplay between individual effort and systemic barriers, urging readers to consider the broader implications of inequality and the role of privilege in shaping life directions.