The Slavery System Should Have Taken a Different Approach - Essay Example

 Slavery is a system where individuals are treated as objects of sale. Slaves bought are used as servants in forced labor. The slavery aspect displayed by Olaudah displays a situation of slavery among the African Americans. It comes with importance to show the thesis of the book. Olaudah Equiano‘s narrative states that slavery is an experience no person should go through, no matter the circumstances. The rise of European colonies in the American locality increased the dire need of slaves. Africa presented a perfect market to purchase slaves. Captured slaved were transported to West Indies, with the journey, “middle passage”, taking up to two months. Bad food, despair, harsh treatment, and inadequate fresh air led to the death of many slaves (Equiano). Olaudah knows the experience of being a slave. He explains this in his book. The necessity of slavery lies on the understanding of the current state of things. Whether they had to put humans through the conditions remains a question many still ask. Chapter 4 indicates a diagram indicating how the arrangement of the slaves was in the ships that transported them from one location to another. The main argument is the conditions Men, women and children were exposed to in cruelty. The slaves were treated the same regardless of whether they were children. They were handled like perishable good disposed off when they were not needed anymore. Many slaves died as they were moved from one place to another. Differentiating people with their skin color made Olaudah display his thoughts in a disturbing manner. Olaudah points out race equality between the whites and blacks. He enlightens readers on the real conditions of slaves with bias to journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Various authors outlaid the conditions, but Olaudah felt the need to give more information of what actually took place. Olaudah experienced firsthand the life of a slave in various stages. Using vivid and sensory details, he explains the environment they were exposed to for months, leading to the death of many. “The stench of the hold, the air became unfit for respiration and a variety of loathsome smells” (Equiano 38), as stated by Olaudah, gives the readers an image of the setting. The display of slavery through the vivid shows of vivid display of the images and environment comes hard to ignore. The book shows the level to which slaves suffered. Olaudah explains different aspects but displays one overall message. The overall message of Olaudah revolves on the treatment of people as slaves. The overall message of the narrative is an explanation on the life of a slave. The slavery process, beginning with the cultural indifferences, contributed to the success of slave trade. Olaudah main argument is that to what extent he will consider adopting European ways considering his slavery experience. Knowing well of his status as a slave, he is impelled to adopt European business practices, religion, and think of himself as a European (Equiano). The display of arrangement of slaves by the author displays a difference in tone display. The sadness in the author’s voice as he displays information on slavery is evident . Olaudah expresses his thoughts in a formal and sad about slavery. The tone continues throughout the story with the use of imagery, and vivid descriptions to bring out his mood. He is saddened by the fact that children and women go through the conditions. Formal explanations are maintained in the evidence portrayed. Children and women do not receive any special treatment. They suffer and Olaudah describes through a sad tone of writing. Equiano’s argument is convincing as he engages the audience with pathos and experiences. The act of civilization is clear in him as he disputes slavery as inhumanity. Display of pain, human emotions and sorrow is convincing to the audience as it shows his thought on slavery. Language use to portray feelings to readers of the past and present is evident, and it shows that his argument is based on a strong understanding. Equiano knew that basing his argument on equality of Africans and Europeans would create the attention of anti-abolitionists of slavery (Equiano 110). He had the details on slavery, using it to bring out his aspect. Equiano had passion for his country and culture, an aspect evident from the narrative. He is bias to slavery experienced in West Africa only. Detailing information from historical documentation shows us that slaves were bought from all parts of Africa. Equiano is bias to his culture. In detail, he explains the culture held by his people including marriage and other ceremonies. The administration, mode of living, and building structures are vividly explained (Equiano 20). Equiano father was the chief of the area they lived. Coming from a prestigious family, it was difficult for him to go through the experiences of slavery. A connection was evident in his work as he wanted his audience to understand his origin. The depth of his suffering as a slave required him to state his previous life. African Americans experienced slavery from European countries. The experience they went through distorted their origins as human beings. Facing stereotypes that came with their status, African Americans struggle with their roots as no clear definition was set. As an author and a former slave, Equiano’s literature provides a platform for upcoming authors to portray their experiences through writing. To change the future, the past has to be understood. Equiano provides the historical information required to facilitate the move. The narrative helps free African Americans from oppression of slavery, bringing about equality. Equiano displays a life of comfort before his life as a slave (Equiano 26). The narrative gives freedom to slavery victims and their families to understand their importance based on their previous standards of living. The narrative gives information on extent measures taken while handling slaves. Reading the narrative informs me on the painful situations presented by the institution of slavery. The narrative enlightens my understanding on the happenings that took place. Racial discrimination is still present, and can be tied to slavery. Europeans saw slaves as less important people in the society, subjecting them to the discussed conditions. The institution of slavery is evolutionary, with methods of enslaving changing with time. Equiano’s aim to abolish slavery aimed to create a better future for all populations. Writing on slavery creates insight on its effects on mankind. As the thesis states, placing human beings under slavery was not a necessary act. The aim to get rid of the slavery comes as an indication of the extreme measures displays in the narrative. Works Cited Equiano, Olaudah. The life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African. New York: I. Knapp, 1837. Print. Read More