As a civilization grows and develops its own distinct culture, a religion is often formed to better understand how the world around the tribe works . Although some cultures have a very distinct set of beliefs, customs, and practices, most can be grouped under broad categories. In the abolitionist play "The Interesting Narrative", Equiano uses the religion of his native country and compares it to Judaism to form a bridge between the two cultures and establish a set of correspondences, in order to best connect the European and African roots in the collection. of humanity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay During the era of slavery, white Europeans insisted on distancing themselves and dehumanizing “others,” in the purpose of justifying their actions. Otherness is “an ideological and discursive mechanism built on conceptions of obscurity, difference, dehumanization and absence” (Culea). While Europeans were seen as emissaries of light, the idea that Africans of all tribes were dark, not only in complexion, but also intellectually, spiritually and culturally, prevailed. The concept of slavery was distorted until it fit Christian guidelines and was seen as beneficial to the beneficiaries. Many white Europeans believed that removing black Africans from their homelands, insisting on instilling Christian doctrine in them and forcing them to do hard labor, was a way to save their eternal souls, if they had any. Thanks to Equiano's comparison between the religion of his native tribe and the origins of Christianity, the Jewish faith, the notion of "otherness" is revealed. When Equiano begins to compare religions, he mentions how both believe in "one Creator", but points out some differences as well (Equiano). For example, the African creator living "in the sun" and the fact that perhaps there was no "doctrine of eternity", comparable to the Jewish idea of ​​paradise (Equiano). But it also evokes the transmigration of souls in African culture, similar to that of Jewish or Christian souls heading towards Heaven or Hell. The two supreme beings "govern events" and are seen as an omniscient and all-powerful male god, and that his judgment must be accepted without question (Equiano). Regardless of culture, the fact that it is a male god in charge “embodies the dominant patriarchal arrangement of society” (Leeming). Therefore, both societies reflected a male-dominated culture, a bond that unites them. Similar practices are also compared in Equiano's article. While Europeans generally considered themselves clean, Africans were alternatively considered dirty, with no concept of cleanliness. Equiano instead disputes that his native culture was "extremely clean" in all respects, as "many purifications and washings" took place (Equiano). In fact, many of the purifications took place “on the same occasions…as the Jews” (Equiano). Another similarity was that both religions practiced circumcision. Judaism advocates circumcision because "God commanded Abraham to circumcise himself, all the male members of his household, his descendants, and his slaves in an everlasting covenant," but Equiano does not disclose the reason why his country of origin also practiced circumcision (BBC). Offerings and feasts were equally common in both religions, and again, Africans)..