In his letter to Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Banneker suggests several key points by equating servitude and slavery:
Moral Condemnation: By equating servitude and slavery, Banneker is making a moral condemnation of both practices. He argues that both are unjust and incompatible with the principles of liberty and equality.
Hypocrisy: Banneker highlights the hypocrisy of American society, particularly among those who advocated for freedom and equality while also owning slaves. He points out the inconsistency between the ideals of the American Revolution, such as the Declaration of Independence, and the reality of slavery.
Dehumanization: Banneker's equating of servitude and slavery underscores the dehumanizing nature of both. He emphasizes that in both cases, individuals are denied their basic human rights and treated as property rather than as free and equal human beings.
Appeal for Change: Banneker's letter serves as an appeal to Jefferson and others to reconsider their support for slavery and take action to end it. He challenges them to live up to the principles they espoused in the founding documents of the United States.
Overall, by equating servitude and slavery, Banneker aims to draw attention to the moral and ethical flaws in a society that claimed to value freedom and equality while perpetuating a system of slavery and discrimination. His letter is a powerful critique of the contradictions and injustices of his time.