I thought the interaction between Equiano and the Mosquito Native Americans was really interesting, and I think it revealed some new aspects of Equiano's character. Namely his subconscious embrace of colonizing culture regarding his treatment of the Natives. This can first be seen with his interactions with Prince George, who he earnestly attempts to convert to Christianity. Just as those who abducted him essentially forced the religion upon him, Equiano does the same to this native, who had his own culture and beliefs.
After this fails, Equiano helps Doctor Irving purchase slaves. While he doesn't really have much of a choice, he still participates in the slave trade, even suggesting which people to buy. Upon arriving in the Mosquito Coast, Equiano describes interactions with the Mosquito Natives, and this instance where he uses Columbus's tactics is one such moment. This shows that he has learned from those who colonized the Americas, reading and learning from these voices. Equiano also uses religion as a tool to control the Mosquitos, threatening divine punishments if they fail to comply with his instructions. While Equiano may also include this section to appeal to his readers, his actions throughout the second part of the novel demonstrate a participation in, or at least acceptance of, colonizing culture.
Your reflection on this section of the narrative really speaks to the damage of colonizing culture and its lasting effects on the people who were colonized...it really does have this snowball effect. Equiano’s attitude towards the Native Americans demonstrates the complexity of power struggles and the damaging cultural effects of organizing human worth by race.
ReplyDeleteIt is ironic how peopole throughout history have used religions as
ReplyDeleteused as a weapon rather than spreading peace.
When Equiano was helping Doctor Irving pick which slaves to buy, it also made me realize how deeply his own experience as a slave has rooted in his life.
ReplyDeleteYour last line is really powerful. Despite Equianoʻs later work towards the abolitionist movement, he clearly is complicit in the slave trade and imperialism.
ReplyDeleteI think you bring up a good point that Equiano is aware that the natives have their own cultures and beliefs, yet he still tries to convert them. This goes to show how Equiano is doing the same thing that the white people had done to him, whether he accepts it or not.
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