I want to specifically point out that the writing and its topic greatly differs on who wrote it and when. The three readings had similarities and differences but I want to focus on the voice taken by the writers themselves and what I think they want us readers to take. I perceived the readings as John Newton versus Olaudah Equiano and Marcus Rediker.
Newton, a slave trader, I reckon tried to dehumanize slaves in his journal by the tone of voice he took, mostly focusing on the weather. He wasn’t putting importance on the people he acquired because he sees them like any other goods, to be bartered, bought, or sold (Newton, p. 12). His journal explaining his voyage sounds tedious, venting on the boring repetitive life of a slave trader. Weather which dictated …show more content…
Resistance is an exemplary example of showing one’s will. The ability and willingness to resist is a character that can be attributed to Europeans, who time and time has proven this, for instance, by establishing laws to limit the power of monarchy, as such they were human beings. So by this argument, slaves too who resisted, were humans. What was more curious and refreshing was he began with how a female captive fought back against the perverted man who leered at her (Rediker, p. 3). This is a breath of fresh air because most writings had been focusing on how male slaves resisted slavery but never mentioned women’s. Men actively fought back while women waited is the typical narrative but Rediker disproved that. I think he started with this to show that African women, unlike European women, aren’t demure and submissive, has a thinking of their own and can stand for themselves. Readers then can start to picture a fierce independent woman who is second to none. Male slaves predominantly resisted the slave trade by hunger strikes, insurrections, and suicide all of which hurt them (Rediker, p. 7). what I personally liked most and is the most convincing for me was the fact that slaves who came from
Newton, a slave trader, I reckon tried to dehumanize slaves in his journal by the tone of voice he took, mostly focusing on the weather. He wasn’t putting importance on the people he acquired because he sees them like any other goods, to be bartered, bought, or sold (Newton, p. 12). His journal explaining his voyage sounds tedious, venting on the boring repetitive life of a slave trader. Weather which dictated …show more content…
Resistance is an exemplary example of showing one’s will. The ability and willingness to resist is a character that can be attributed to Europeans, who time and time has proven this, for instance, by establishing laws to limit the power of monarchy, as such they were human beings. So by this argument, slaves too who resisted, were humans. What was more curious and refreshing was he began with how a female captive fought back against the perverted man who leered at her (Rediker, p. 3). This is a breath of fresh air because most writings had been focusing on how male slaves resisted slavery but never mentioned women’s. Men actively fought back while women waited is the typical narrative but Rediker disproved that. I think he started with this to show that African women, unlike European women, aren’t demure and submissive, has a thinking of their own and can stand for themselves. Readers then can start to picture a fierce independent woman who is second to none. Male slaves predominantly resisted the slave trade by hunger strikes, insurrections, and suicide all of which hurt them (Rediker, p. 7). what I personally liked most and is the most convincing for me was the fact that slaves who came from