Olaudah Equiano The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African Chapter 1

Olaudah Equiano
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African 

Chapter 1

Chapter one was pretty interesting to read. The reason why I chose chapter 1 was because I wanted to know about their marriage traditions and I wanted to see if things are different. All I can say is that I’m glad I live in today’s society. I thought it was interesting how if the wife cheated on her husband then the husband can chose her punishment, but men have a plurality.  The marriage was set up by their parents and once married the woman is then the property of her husband. Why is she considered to be his property? Why can’t he be her property? In many cultures why are men always dominant? Even in the Indian culture men are dominant. We as women have to bow down to the men in my culture. Thankfully, a lot of that is changing now. I don’t think it’s changed in India, but it’s not likely around here. It really makes me realize how lucky I am.

I also found it interesting how the women would fight side by side with their men. I just feel like woman don’t get enough credit sometimes. It happens everywhere at jobs, in culture/society. I mean if women are considered to be their property, why do they have to fight just like men? I think that it needs to be equal. If a woman is in the fighting alongside with her husband then she should be allowed to call him her property as well.

I thought it was strange how the house would have a master, then the family and slaves. I didn’t really understand that concept. I thought it would be awkward all these people living in the same house at once. It was understandable to let the master have the biggest room in the house, because he’s the one in charge.

Chapter 1 made me think about how many women have to marry men that their parents pick out for them. I know I could never be able to do that, especially because I come from an Indian background. Usually it would be the father who picks the best suitor for his daughter. That would not fly with me. We have freedom, but in those other countries these women they don’t have freedom or voice. They don’t have a say in what they want to do with their life.  This really makes me realize how lucky I am. The women from the tv show Bridezillas should realize how lucky they are as well. In that show these women are so mean to their parents who give them everything, but what they should do is stop and come back to reality. They could be the ones who would have to have an arranged marriage and then become their husband’s property. Count your blessings!