While reading "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," it came to mind exactly how much I take my freedom for granted. On the other hand, unlike Olaudah Equino, I have nothing to compare it to, for I know nothing but freedom - the freedom to read, write, vote, practice the religion of my choice, participate in any function open to the public, and the right to voice my opinion. But Ohaudah Equino can compare because he experiences both bondage as well as freedom. Equino was in fact born a free man, but was soon enslaved by his fellow Africans, and soon after that the by the Europeans as well. I can only imagine that freedom to Equino was cherished a bit more than my freedoms; after all he experienced both African slavery, as well as American slavery, not to in any way be considered compatible to one another. Throughout this journey of Olaudah Equiano, the readers are capable of viewing that the most important aspect is that Equino earns his freedom. He is able to see both the slaveholders and the abolitionists for their worth, and that they are very separate in their personal dealings with life and Christianity.
Slavery was such a widespread known evil, and prevalent in both Africa and in the Americas. Unfortunately, Equiano experienced both. In some ways, Equino probably saw that unless he adapted to the "English" society then he would forever be seen as just a "negro," albeit a freed man. Equino understands that freed black men sometimes were looked down upon, even though they were free. The freed slaves were not treated with much respect, dignity, or equality, even from the abolitionists. Often times the freed slaves had to work harder to make a living for themselves and to gain any respect at all.
Equiano was able to use capitalism to forward his personal progress. Equino is able to see a more freer world as he talks of sailing on the coast of the Americas, and this freer world becomes much more apparent as Equine made a living in his "new life," and from there he progressed to become a staunch abolitionist living in England.
