Summary of Trevor Noah Talks Race and Identity In America | Get With The Times

The event featured a conversation between Trevor Noah, a comedian and author, and Jarnell Ago, a national correspondent for The New York Times, focusing on race and identity in America. The discussion was held at Northwestern University and aimed to engage college students in an interactive dialogue about their experiences with race and ethnicity.

Key Points Discussed:

• Trevor Noah's Background:

  Noah shared insights from his autobiography, "Born a Crime," detailing his experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa. He highlighted the complexities of racial identity, describing how he navigated a mixed-race background in a segregated society. He emphasized the importance of community and belonging, recounting how he ultimately identified as black despite being categorized as "colored" by the apartheid system.

• Cultural Aspirations:

  Noah expressed his admiration for Black American culture, stating that he aspired to be part of it. He noted how, in South Africa, Black Americans were viewed as owning their identity, which contrasted with the struggles of his own upbringing.

• Race Relations in America:

  The conversation touched on the differences between racial dynamics in South Africa and the United States. Noah pointed out that while South Africa's apartheid system was rigidly defined by race, America often operates under a binary of black and white, though it also grapples with issues of colorism and class.

• Impact of Donald Trump:

  Noah discussed how Trump's presidency has exposed underlying racial tensions in America, forcing people to confront their beliefs and biases. He suggested that while Trump’s leadership has emboldened bigotry, it has also prompted necessary conversations about race.

• The Role of Comedy:

  The role of comedy in addressing race was a significant theme. Noah argued that comedy can serve as a powerful tool for discussing difficult topics, but it requires sensitivity to context and audience. He acknowledged the challenges comedians face in navigating political correctness and audience expectations.

• Safe Spaces and Campus Culture:

  The concept of safe spaces on college campuses was debated, with Noah suggesting that all groups naturally seek spaces where they feel comfortable discussing their shared identities. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding across different perspectives.

• Advice for Students and Journalists:

  Noah encouraged students entering journalism to focus on facts and the truth, especially in an era of misinformation. He advised them to engage in conversations with empathy and to approach debates with an open mind.

• Handling Negativity:

  On the topic of online criticism, Noah shared his perspective that much of the negativity encountered on social media is not real and emphasized the importance of choosing how to react to it.

Presenters/Contributors:

• Trevor Noah
• Jarnell Ago
• Megan Kay Safer (Moderator)

Notable Quotes

— 04:28 — « The real world doesn't go away; racism exists, people are getting hurt, and just because it's not happening to you doesn't mean it's not happening. »

— 04:50 — « At some point, life will force you to pick a side. »

— 10:12 — « I chose black. »

— 11:28 — « I want to be a part of that culture; that's something I can identify with. »

— 12:00 — « I didn't understand why black Americans would aspire to Africa. »

Category

News and Commentary

Video