Sophia Huffman - Reader's Journal for Born a Crime, chapters 13-17

 Quote 1:  “People love to say, Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.’ What they don’t say is ‘And it would be nice if you gave him a fishing rod.’” (Noah, 2016, p. 190)

Response:
This quote hit me because Trevor is pointing out that even when people say they want to help, they often leave out the actual tools that someone needs to succeed. In this chapter, he’s working with Andrew and realizing that having someone with knowledge and resources (like Andrew’s computer skills and access to tech) made a huge difference. It’s not just about working hard, but people also need opportunity and guidance. I agree with Trevor's statement because so many people are willing to give advice but not real help. It shows how privilege plays a role in who gets ahead and who’s left behind.

Quote 2: “The hood made me realize that crime succeeds because crime does the one thing the government doesn’t do: crime cares. Crime is grassroots.” (Noah, 2016, p. 209)

Response:
This quote was really deep. Trevor’s not saying crime is good but he’s saying people turn to it because it’s the only system that makes them feel seen. When the government ignores poor neighborhoods and people don’t feel supported, crime offers a way to survive. It’s sad but true in a lot of places. The people running those systems offer fast money, protection, or even a sense of community. Things the government doesn’t always give. I think this is Trevor showing how unfair systems push people into doing things they wouldn’t usually choose.

Discussion Question Responses:

1. In Chapter 13, how does a messed-up view on race end up saving Trevor from serious trouble?
When Trevor gets caught with the stolen computer stuff, he’s the only light-skinned kid in the group, and the cops assume he’s “the white one” who doesn’t belong there. Because of their racist thinking, they believe he’s just some good kid who got mixed up with the wrong crowd. It’s unfair, but Trevor gets let off while his Black friends don’t. It shows how twisted the system is. he’s saved by racism instead of punished by it.

2. What happens in his life to teach him the lesson about needing a “fishing rod”?
When he works with Andrew, Trevor realizes that access to real tools (like technology, coding skills, and internet) separates success from survival. Andrew gives him that access not just knowledge but the “fishing rod” he never had. It taught him that poor people don’t just need motivation they need actual chances and resources. I agree with Trevor because I’ve seen how people are judged for not doing better, but no one gives them what they need to get started.

3. What does he mean by “crime is grassroots”?
He means that crime grows from the ground up it’s personal, local, and fills the gaps the government ignores. When people can’t get jobs, housing, or help legally, crime steps in and offers a way to live. It shows how broken the system is when people trust gangs or crime bosses more than their leaders. Trevor isn’t saying it’s right he’s just explaining why it happens. Crime feels like it “cares” when nothing else does.