Born a Crime - Topic 4

After writing about Tressie McMillan Cottom and Trevor Noah in my Media Use Journal, the first piece of media that came to mind for this topic's prompt was Trevor's book, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood. It is an autobiographical book written by Trevor about his time growing up in South Africa during apartheid and his experience as mixed-race child.

1. Who created this message? Trevor Noah wrote this autobiography. It was published by Spiegel & Grau, which at the time was an imprint (a publishing branch) of Penguin Random House. It looks like a film adaptation is also in the works and is being produced by Paramount.
2. What creative techniques are used to attract my attention? Trevor’s name is the largest text on the cover of the book. In other words, the notoriety of the author is intended to attract my attention. Not to mention the “#1 New York Times Bestseller” status and the review statement from USA Today. In addition to all the text on the book cover, the image of Trevor is the largest icon on display. He looks to be painted on a crumbling wall for passersby to behold.
3. How might different people understand this message differently than me? I imagine this autobiography impacts people very differently from South Africa as opposed to the United States. That said, the persecution of people is part of every country’s history. We can always stand to learn more about our neighbors, from down the street or across the globe.
4. What values, lifestyles and points of view are represented in, or omitted from, this message? In addition to Trevor, a black woman is looking at his illustrated face on the crumbling wall. Knowing that the book is a homage to Trevor’s mother and how he feels about the importance of black women in his life, this feels intentional. Additionally, Trevor is smiling and the review from USA Today quantifies the book as “A soul-nourishing pleasure.” In other words, there is a lot of positivity all being communicated in this book cover.
5. Why is this message being sent? Although this is the story of Trevor’s childhood, it also showcases South Africa during apartheid and serves as an example of personal experience during that time. Additionally, Trevor wanted to honor his mother Patricia in this text who loved him and fought for him all throughout his life. She is the reason he grew into the man he is today, and Trevor wants to chronicle her influence on his life.