An Intersting Narrative by Olaudah Equiano

Jessica Kellogg Discussion 1H

"O, ye nominal Christians! Might not an African ask you, learned you this from your God, who says unto you, Do unto all men as you would men should do unto you? Is it not enough that we are torn from our country and friends to toil for your luxury and lust of gain?" (2855)

Equiano's statement is a valid argument against the slave trade. He calls upon Christians to adhere to their principles. He distinguishes himself as an African even though he identifies as a Christian as well. The construction of identity for Equiano demonstrates his ability to separate his ethnicity from his professed religion. Europeans in Equianos world are synonymous with the concept of Christianity. With their white privilige they enslave and justify this sin by "indoctrinating" the uncivilized. He challenges his white counterparts to a feat that he knows has nothing to do with Christianity, but has everything to do with gluttony.

Equiano uses "our" which shows that he speaks for all that are enslaved and still remains connected to his country and friends.