Trevor noah explains racism in sa and us
Trevor Noah, a South African comedian and former host of The Daily Show, has spoken extensively about racism in both South Africa and the United States. Here are some quotes and excerpts from his stand-up comedy routines, interviews, and writings that illustrate his perspectives on racism in both countries:
South Africa:
- "Racism in South Africa is like a family reunion. It's like, 'Hey, cousin, how's it going?' And then you realize, 'Oh, you're still a racist.' And then you're like, 'Well, I guess some things don't change.'" (From his stand-up comedy special "Son of Patricia")
- "In South Africa, we have a thing called 'apartheid.' It's like, 'Hey, let's make a system where one group of people is superior to another group of people.' And then we're like, 'Oh, wait, that's not working out so well.' So we're like, 'Let's make a new system where everyone is equal.' And then we're like, 'Oh, wait, that's not working out so well either.'" (From his stand-up comedy special "Son of Patricia")
- "Racism in South Africa is not just about the government. It's about the people. It's about the way we think. It's about the way we talk. It's about the way we treat each other." (From an interview with The Guardian)
United States:
- "Racism in America is like a ghost. It's like, 'Oh, I'm not a racist, I'm not a racist.' But then you realize, 'Oh, you're still a racist.' And then you're like, 'Well, I guess some things don't change.'" (From his stand-up comedy special "Son of Patricia")
- "In America, we have a thing called 'systemic racism.' It's like, 'Hey, let's make a system where one group of people is superior to another group of people.' And then we're like, 'Oh, wait, that's not working out so well.' So we're like, 'Let's make a new system where everyone is equal.' But then we're like, 'Oh, wait, that's not working out so well either.'" (From his stand-up comedy special "Son of Patricia")
- "Racism in America is not just about the government. It's about the people. It's about the way we think. It's about the way we talk. It's about the way we treat each other." (From an interview with The Guardian)
Comparison between South Africa and the United States:
- "The thing that's different about racism in America is that it's more subtle. It's like, 'Oh, I'm not a racist, I'm just not a fan of your music.' Or, 'I'm not a racist, I just don't like your food.' But in South Africa, it's more overt. It's like, 'Hey, you're a black person, you're inferior to me.'" (From an interview with The Guardian)
- "In South Africa, we had a system of apartheid that was designed to keep people separate and unequal. In America, you have a system of systemic racism that is designed to keep people separate and unequal. But the difference is that in America, it's more subtle. It's like, 'Oh, I'm not a racist, I'm just not a fan of your music.' But in South Africa, it's more overt. It's like, 'Hey, you're a black person, you're inferior to me.'" (From an interview with The Guardian)
Overall, Trevor Noah's perspective on racism in both South Africa and the United States is that it is a complex and deeply ingrained issue that requires a nuanced understanding of history, culture, and societal structures. He argues that racism is not just about individual prejudices, but also about systemic and institutionalized forms of discrimination that perpetuate inequality and disadvantage certain groups of people.