In the early days, it was common for settlers in America to have access to the Americans by using the head right system. Indentured servitude at the time was mistakenly thought to be slavery. It was actually a contract between the employers and the servants. The Virginia government responded to this attack by importing slaves from Africa. Concerning the readings, Olaudah Equiano’s experience and Elizabeth Sprigs’ differed on the basis of respect for basic human rights.
The English colony was home to many indentured servants. These individuals were promised money and land for any work they did. These were not forced labour. It was a contract. The worker could do what they wanted after one day. According to the readings, servants could expect to be released from slavery after their labour period was completed and to receive “freedom dues” payment. This is a quote that explains the freedom of indentured servants compared to slaves, who had to follow the orders of their masters. Indentured servants treated African slaves less well than those indentured. They were treated harshly by their owners. This was because they saw what they would get regarding their living conditions, clothing, and meals. “When I was transported on board I had to be handled immediately and tossed up in order for me to prove that I was sound.” This is a simple explanation of how they were treated unfairly and disregarded as human beings. Elizabeth Sprigs saw the indentured servants in a different light than Olaudah Equiano. They were in a situation where they felt lost. But, this helped me to see racism in action. Because of racism, there was a system that elevated the power to the advantage of the white man over the black man. African slaves were taken from their families and never to be seen again. Their owners made it a point to make sure they didn’t have to sit in more than two groups. It was also a way for them to plot against their owners. Slave owners had no other purpose than to make a living, so they treated them unfairly. The readings state that “Many Negroes could be better used”. This statement is racist enough. Additionally, I believe that slavery was created in England because of fear of minorities dominating them. This is based on my experiences with both African slaves and indentured servants.
Olaudah was a slave in Africa, and as such, lived differently to servants.
