I really enjoyed the readings for this week. For most of my life, the topic of slavery has always captured my attention. I sincerely think that it is one of the most deplorable actions that mankind has ever engaged in (and is still engaging in). I recall watching the TV mini-series "Roots" as a child, and that really had an impact on me.

The first text I read was Equiano's. This one really drew me in. In fact, I am compelled to track down Classic Slave Narratives and read the whole thing. What really got to me was how the writer constantly made reference to the Lord, as in the line "I wept bitterly for some time; and began to think that I must have done something to displease the Lord". I really couldn't help but feel for the guy. But what really struck me was the writer's wisdom, and his composure in the face of such terrible adversity. No matter how awful things were, he remained a true, respectful human being. His wisdom knocked me out, especially when he said things like "I considered that trials and disappointments are sometimes for our good". How true!

Then to hear the same man say things like "I wished I had never been born" was just gut wrenching. And when I read lines about slaves expiring on a dunghill, or about whites robbing African girls of their virtue, I swear I quite literally felt ashamed of my European heritage. Yet through all of this, the writer remained clear, composed and literate. You have to wonder...who were really the "savages" at that time?

I then read More's "The Slave Trade". This was a riveting piece as well. Not quite as direct as Equiano's, yet still potent. It did seem much more ornate in its style, but I guess that is a given considering it is a poem.

Barbauld's "The Mouse's Petition" was also quite powerful. I especially found resonance in the line "And tremble at th' approaching morn". To think that you live such a horrific existance you are literally scared of the oncoming morning!

I also found Cowper's "The Negro's Complaint" very interesting. The word choice was so potent, I found. "Minds are never to be sold". Indeed! Again, I find it so inspiring that the human spirit in these slaves persisted even though they faced agonizing lives. I also liked the line "Skins may differ, but affection dwells in white and black the same". And the line "Think how many blacks have smarted for the sweet your cane affords." There is just such an amazing contradiction (and truth) in that line that I love.

I liked Behn's "Oroonoko" too. Although I must admit that for my own personal tastes, I kept thinking as I read this how much I preferred Equiano's text, which just seemed much more to-the-point. I did find Behn's work a bit flowery and at times just a little bit overly romantic (especially after just reading Equiano's piece which is so graphic). There was also a lot of focus on relationships, royalty, the military, class, and things of that nature. I do realize that these elements are important, and they do emphasize the underlaying inequality of the races, but I guess I just appreciated Equiano's style more.

I was especailly taken by the line "the Christians never buy any Slaves but they give them some Name of their own, their native ones being likely very barbourous". This reminded me a lot of things I learned in Canadian History class, about how the Europeans wanted to strip the Natives of their language, their culture, everything. They went to such great lengths to Anglicize them and completely wipe away their culture. They tried to immerse them totally in Christian doctrines, basically brainwashing them. I'm surprised they didn't try to dye their skin a few shades lighter. Absolutely horrendous.