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. While some cultures have a very distinct set of beliefs, customs, and practices, most can be linked under broad umbrellas. In the abolitionist work “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 series of correspondences, in order to better connect the European and African roots in scope of humanity's collection. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayDuring the time of slavery, white Europeans insisted on distancing themselves from and dehumanizing "others" in an attempt to justify their actions. Otherness is “an ideological and discursive mechanism built on conceptions of darkness, difference, dehumanization and absence” (Culea). Because Europeans were seen as emissaries of light, the idea prevailed that Africans of all tribes were dark, not only in complexion, but intellectually, spiritually, and culturally. The concept of slavery was twisted to fit Christian guidelines and was seen as beneficial to the recipients. Many white Europeans thought that taking black Africans away from their homeland, insisting on instilling Christian doctrine and forcing them into forced labor was a way to save their eternal souls, if they had any. Through Equiano's comparison between the religion of his native tribe and the origins of Christianity, the Jewish faith, the notion of "other" is revealed. When Equiano first begins to compare religions, he mentions how they both believe in "one Creator", but highlights some differences as well (Equiano). For example, the African creator who lived “in the sun” and how perhaps there was no “doctrine of eternity” that could be compared to the Jewish idea of ​​Paradise (Equian). But it also mentions the transmigration of souls in African culture, similar to that of Jewish or Christian souls moving to Heaven or Hell. Both supreme beings “rule events” and are seen as an omniscient and omnipotent male god, and His judgment must be accepted without question (Equiano). Regardless of culture, the fact that a male god is in control “embodies the prevailing patriarchal structure of society” (Leeming). Therefore, both societies reflected a male-dominated culture, a bond that unites the two. Similar practices are also compared in Equiano's piece. As Europeans typically saw themselves as clean, Africans were alternatively seen as dirty, with no concept of cleanliness. Equiano however disputes the fact that his native culture was “extremely clean” in all rights, as “many purifications and washings” occurred (Equiano). Many purifications, in fact, took place "on the same occasions... as the Jews" (Equiano). Another similarity included was that both religions practiced circumcision. Judaism preaches circumcision since "Abraham was commanded by God to circumcise himself, all male members of his family, his descendants, and slaves in an everlasting covenant," but Equiano does not divulge why his also homeland practiced circumcision (BBC) . Offerings and feasts were also common in both religions, and once again Africans celebrated “on that occasion in the same way as (the Jews)” (Equiano). A daily offering for the Equiano tribe called for members to "put a small portion of meat and pour a)..