The approaches of Douglass and Equiano to slavery and freedom are similar in their goal to achieve emancipation and to get rid of the oppressive systems that enslaved them. Both Douglass and Equiano use personal stories and anecdotes to illustrate the injustices of slavery and to make a powerful argument for their freedom. However, their approaches to their audiences differ slightly. Douglass is more direct in his language and ideas and uses more aggressive rhetoric to make his point. At the same time, Equiano is more measured in his approach and uses more Christian vocabulary to make his argument.
I learned about how enslaved people were treated and the inhumane conditions they were subjected to. I learned about the impact of the practice of slavery on the lives of those affected and the systemic oppression that was perpetuated. I also knew how enslaved people could resist and fight for their freedom by organizing and participating in rebellions and using the law to gain their freedom. This new information is significant as it gives us an insight into the reality of slavery and the fight for freedom that has been ongoing for centuries. It is a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right and of the power of individual action in the pursuit of justice.
In Douglass’ narrative, he suggested that slavery is an affront to the natural rights of humans and that it denies them their inherent dignity as human beings. He argued that slavery robbed people of their freedom and was an unjust and oppressive system. Equiano argued that slavery was a violation of Christian principles and that it denied people their fundamental rights as human beings. He suggested that slavery was an immoral and unjust system and that it should be abolished. Both authors argued that the ideas of the Enlightenment, such as natural rights and the inherent dignity of all human beings, should be used to say for the emancipation of enslaved people.
Both Douglass and Equiano’s arguments for abolishing slavery are born out of the ideas of the Enlightenment. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau held that all people are equal and have the right to self-determination and autonomy. Douglass and Equiano use these ideas to argue for their freedom, emphasizing the inherent humanity of enslaved people and the injustice of their enslavement. They use logic and reason to make their case, arguing that slavery violates the fundamental principles of human rights and dignity.
Equiano argued that slavery was a violation of Christian principles and that it denied people their fundamental rights as human beings. He suggested that slavery was an immoral and unjust system and that it should be abolished. Both authors argued that the ideas of the Enlightenment, such as natural rights and the inherent dignity of all human beings, should be used to say for the emancipation of enslaved people. Significantly, the ideas of the Enlightenment used to oppress and enslave people were also used to argue for their freedom, showing that the same ideas can have both positive and negative consequences.
Douglass and Equiano would likely view the protests for racial equality today with approval and admiration. As both authors had experienced slavery and fought for emancipation, they would recognize the power of collective action to achieve change. Douglass would likely be encouraged by the progress made in the fight for racial justice, as he argued for an end to slavery and the abolition of oppressive systems. Equiano, too, would be encouraged by the progress made since his time and would likely be impressed with the strength and courage of those fighting for justice. They would both recognize the power of collective action to bring about change and appreciate the commitment of those standing up for racial justice and equality.