Final answer:
Equiano attributes the illness on slave ships to the greed of traders who ignored humane conditions for profit. The crew's treatment of captives indicates they saw slaves as property, not people, with their treatment driven by economic considerations, rather than any regard for the enslaved individuals' humanity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Equiano blames the illness aboard the ship on the "improvident avarice" of the traders because the traders prioritized their profit over the well-being of the enslaved individuals they transported. This greed led to overcrowded and unhygienic conditions that were ripe for the spread of diseases like dysentery and trachoma.
Based on the treatment described, we can infer that the white crewmen viewed their captives as commodities rather than human beings, displaying a callous disregard for their health and dignity. This is evident from the lack of proper sanitation facilities, inadequate provision of food and water, and harsh punishments for any signs of rebellion. The captives were subjected to inhumane conditions and were forced to jump and dance for the mere purpose of maintaining their sale value, rather than being treated with respect and care.
The treatment of the slaves reveals that the captors' attitudes toward human life were devoid of empathy and respect. They regarded the enslaved people as property and were willing to go to lengths such as throwing sick individuals overboard to ensure they did not incur financial losses. This alludes to a profound dehumanization and objectification of the slaves, where their lives were measured solely in terms of economic value.