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Both readings present information regarding the suffering of Africans in the times of slavery. The first article on the PBS website compiles many sources to depict the lives of those enslaved. The destruction of culture that took part during the eighteenth century brought many traditions to an abrupt end ( African Slave Trade and the Middle Passage ). The horrible treatment indicated that there was a complete lack of compassion, as foreigners immediately put Africans below themselves in the eyes of God and society for reasons beyond the comprehension of a modern person. Slaves were dying by thousands by easily preventable causes, but the slavers did not even consider such actions ( African Slave Trade and the Middle Passage ). It is impossible to measure the suffering of an entire continent that was caused by the invading merchants.
The second reading is the chapter from the autobiography of Olaudah Equiano. This chapter depicts his initial capture, struggles against tight control, constant fear of violence, and continuous journeys that brought Olaudah far away from home. This mans journey into adulthood was cut short by slavers, who quickly sent him to other places and countries, although he did end up on a ship leading to an unknown destination. The authors astonishment at the sight of a slave ship can appear as an inadequate reaction, yet there is a shock that no one has experienced before in his civilization (Equiano 70). This was the end of his hopes to return back to his parental home and filled him with an immense fear of the unknown (Equiano 73). Nonetheless, he was set to prevail through the filth he was subjected to. His last inquiries to God as the fallen bastion of hope show how cruel this act has truly been.
Works Cited
The African Slave Trade and the Middle Passage. PBS: Public Broadcasting Service, Web.
Equiano, Olaudah. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano: Or Gustavus Vassa, the African. Written by Himself. Hanover Historical Texts Project, 1789.
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