Equiano's Perspective: Greed, Captivity, And Slavery
Why Does Equiano Blame the Illness Aboard the Ship on the "Improvident Avarice" of the Traders?
Olaudah Equiano, in his autobiographical account, vividly describes the horrific conditions of the transatlantic slave trade. When Equiano blames the illness aboard the ship on the "improvident avarice" of the traders, he points directly to their reckless greed as the root cause of the suffering and death experienced by the enslaved Africans. This wasn't just a matter of unfortunate circumstances; Equiano saw it as a direct consequence of the traders' insatiable desire for profit, which led them to prioritize monetary gain over the basic well-being and survival of the human beings they were transporting.
Equiano argues that the traders' primary motivation was to maximize the number of slaves they could carry on each voyage, regardless of the appalling conditions. This greed drove them to overcrowd the ships, packing enslaved people into incredibly tight spaces below deck. The lack of adequate ventilation, sanitation, and basic hygiene created a breeding ground for disease. The close proximity of so many people, combined with the already weakened state of those who had endured the trauma of capture and forced march, meant that illnesses spread rapidly and uncontrollably. Diseases like dysentery, smallpox, and fever became rampant, turning the ships into floating death traps. The traders were well aware of these risks, yet they deliberately chose to ignore them in pursuit of greater profits.
Moreover, the avarice of the traders extended to the provision of food and water. Equiano notes that the enslaved people were often given meager rations of poor quality, barely enough to sustain them. This deliberate starvation further weakened their immune systems and made them even more susceptible to disease. Clean water was also scarce, and the unsanitary conditions in which they were forced to live contaminated what little water they had. The traders, driven by their relentless pursuit of profit, were unwilling to invest in providing adequate nourishment or hygiene for their human cargo. They saw the enslaved Africans as mere commodities, their value measured only by the price they would fetch in the markets of the Americas.
Furthermore, Equiano highlights the traders' callous disregard for the suffering of the enslaved. When illness broke out, the sick were often left to languish without medical attention or even basic care. The traders seemed to view the deaths of some slaves as an acceptable loss, as long as the majority survived to be sold. This indifference to human life is a stark indictment of the traders' moral bankruptcy and the dehumanizing effects of the slave trade. In Equiano's eyes, their "improvident avarice" was not just a financial failing but a profound ethical one, a willingness to sacrifice human lives for the sake of personal enrichment.
How Do the White Crewmen View Their Captives? (Make Inferences)
Based on Equiano's narrative, the white crewmen view their captives with a mixture of disdain, fear, and a sense of superiority, all deeply intertwined with the economic interests they serve. The crew's behavior toward the enslaved Africans reveals a stark lack of empathy and a dehumanizing perception of them as mere cargo rather than human beings. Instances of physical abuse, verbal insults, and a general disregard for their well-being paint a picture of a relationship built on power and oppression.
One of the most telling indicators of the crew's attitude is their routine use of violence. Equiano recounts numerous instances of whippings, beatings, and other forms of physical punishment inflicted on the enslaved Africans for the slightest perceived infraction. This violence wasn't just about maintaining order; it was a deliberate means of asserting dominance and control. The crewmen seemed to derive a sense of power from their ability to inflict pain and suffering on those they considered to be their inferiors. This brutality was often arbitrary and excessive, suggesting a deep-seated contempt for the enslaved people's humanity.
Moreover, the crewmen's language and behavior reveal a sense of racial superiority. They often referred to the Africans with derogatory terms and treated them as if they were intellectually and morally inferior. This dehumanization was essential to justifying the institution of slavery. By convincing themselves that the enslaved Africans were less than human, the crewmen could rationalize their participation in the slave trade and alleviate any feelings of guilt or moral conflict. They saw themselves as members of a superior race, entitled to exploit and control those they deemed to be inferior.
However, there's also an undercurrent of fear in the crewmen's treatment of their captives. They were constantly aware of the potential for rebellion and resistance. The enslaved Africans, despite their captivity, never fully relinquished their desire for freedom. The crewmen's vigilance and their willingness to use violence to suppress any sign of dissent suggest a recognition of the inherent threat posed by those they were holding captive. This fear likely contributed to their harsh treatment, as they sought to maintain control through intimidation and brutality.
Finally, it's important to remember that the crewmen were also motivated by economic considerations. They were employed by the traders to transport and manage the enslaved Africans, and their livelihoods depended on the success of the voyage. This economic incentive likely influenced their behavior, as they were under pressure to maintain order and prevent any disruptions that could jeopardize the delivery of their human cargo. Their view of the captives was thus shaped by their role in the slave trade and their dependence on its profitability. They saw the enslaved Africans as a means to an end, a source of income rather than as fellow human beings deserving of respect and dignity.
What Does the Treatment of the Slaves Reveal About the Traders? (Draw Conclusions)
The treatment of the slaves reveals several damning truths about the traders involved in the transatlantic slave trade. It exposes their profound moral depravity, their ruthless pursuit of profit above all else, and their deeply ingrained racism, which allowed them to justify the horrific suffering they inflicted on others.
The traders' willingness to subject enslaved Africans to such inhumane conditions demonstrates a complete lack of empathy and compassion. They saw the enslaved people not as human beings with inherent rights and dignity but as mere commodities, objects to be bought, sold, and exploited for their own financial gain. This dehumanization was essential to the functioning of the slave trade. By stripping the enslaved Africans of their humanity, the traders could rationalize their brutal treatment and silence any pangs of conscience. The appalling conditions on the ships, the starvation, the disease, and the constant threat of violence all speak to the traders' callous disregard for human life.
Moreover, the traders' actions reveal their unyielding commitment to profit maximization. They were willing to sacrifice the well-being and even the lives of the enslaved Africans in order to increase their earnings. Overcrowding the ships, providing inadequate food and water, and neglecting medical care were all cost-cutting measures that boosted their bottom line. The traders were driven by an insatiable greed that blinded them to the human cost of their actions. Their "improvident avarice," as Equiano so aptly describes it, was the driving force behind the horrors of the slave trade.
The treatment of the slaves also exposes the deep-seated racism that underpinned the institution of slavery. The traders believed that Africans were inherently inferior to Europeans, that they were less intelligent, less civilized, and less deserving of basic human rights. This racist ideology provided a convenient justification for slavery. By viewing Africans as subhuman, the traders could convince themselves that they were not violating any moral principles by enslaving and exploiting them. Racism was thus an integral part of the slave trade, both as a cause and as a consequence.
In conclusion, the treatment of the slaves reveals the traders to be individuals consumed by greed, devoid of empathy, and steeped in racism. Their actions stand as a stark reminder of the depths of human depravity and the enduring legacy of slavery. The traders' behavior serves as a powerful indictment of a system that placed profit above human dignity and perpetuated unspeakable suffering for millions of people.