How would the ibo probably have been treated differently in prison if they were englishmen?

It's impossible to say definitively how Igbo prisoners would have been treated differently if they were Englishmen in colonial prisons. There is no single, universal experience for any prisoner group, and the specific conditions of colonial prisons were varied and complex. However, we can consider some relevant factors:

Potential Advantages for Englishmen:

* Legal Status: Englishmen held a privileged status under British law, which would likely have afforded them greater legal protections and rights within the prison system.

* Cultural Familiarity: Prison staff and fellow inmates would be more familiar with English culture and language, potentially leading to better understanding and communication.

* Social Connections: Englishmen might have access to social networks and resources that could provide support and assistance, both within and outside the prison.

* Economic Resources: Englishmen, depending on their background, might have access to funds or connections that could improve their living conditions or shorten their sentence.

Potential Disadvantages for Igbo:

* Racial Prejudice: Racial prejudice was deeply ingrained in colonial society. Igbo prisoners would have likely faced discriminatory treatment based on their ethnicity and perceived inferiority.

* Cultural Differences: Prisoners' cultural backgrounds and practices might have been misunderstood or even punished by prison staff.

* Language Barriers: Communication difficulties could lead to misinterpretations, misunderstandings, and even mistreatment.

* Lack of Resources: Igbo prisoners would likely have limited access to resources like legal aid, family support, or financial assistance.

Overall:

It's highly likely that Igbo prisoners would have faced significant disadvantages compared to Englishmen in colonial prisons. The combination of racial prejudice, cultural differences, and lack of resources could have resulted in harsher punishments, poorer living conditions, and limited access to support.

Important Considerations:

* Specific Prison: The treatment of prisoners varied significantly between different prisons and regions.

* Individual Experiences: Even within the same prison, individual experiences would depend on factors like personal character, crime committed, and relationships with staff and other inmates.

* Historical Context: The specific historical context of colonialism and its impact on race relations would have played a major role in shaping the experiences of Igbo prisoners.

It's crucial to remember that the experience of Igbo prisoners in colonial prisons was a complex and multifaceted one, influenced by various factors. While we can speculate about potential differences in treatment based on ethnicity, it's important to acknowledge that the historical record is incomplete and generalizations should be avoided.