Why do you think equiano might have preferred to be a slave in his own country?

Because Equiano knew how slavery worked in his own country, but he had no idea what slavery was like in the new world.

Explanation:

Equiano felt more comfortable and secure being a slave in his own country, because he knew how slavery worked in his homeland, he knew the language, the customs and the territory, and, in spite of being in a disadvantaged situation, in his country he was seen as a human being.  However, he had no idea what slavery was like in the new world, where he knew nothing, did not know the language, and was not seen as a human being. The stranger was frightening, and the white men put the slaves into a state of misery because they were seen as a filthy and inferior race.