Racism In Othello

Joyce Carol Oates states that, “Othello is a great enough work of dramatic art that, if the racial element were entirely removed, the play would still be a profound accomplishment. That Othello is a “Moor” could be made—almost—irrelevant”. Although this statement sounds great, I couldn’t disagree more. The issue of racism in Othello gives an element that no other piece had during that time. It allowed for a black man to be in control of a Venetian group, which, at that time, was much higher in class than him. An idea that was unfathomable in a Venetian’s eye. At the same time, it showed Othello to have completely lost himself in jealousy. Hence, making the issue of racism in Othello ideal. It allows for the reader to understand that race and

The most critical critique being, Iago's view of Othello being an “other”. That he isn’t anything more than an “other”, a class in which women, during that time period, were associated with. As defined by Anne Marie Hacht in “Othello”, the term other means an individual who is in a location from which they don’t originate (Hacht). Othello being a non-Venetian/Cyprian is the “other” in this case. It is here, in which the matter of race and jealousy arise. As Iago does not like people from outside, like Othello, ruling over him. Iago, by any means necessary, wants the respect and dignity that Othello receives from both the higher ups and people of Venice and Cyprus. He thinks that Othello, because of his power, might lose himself and destroy everything he has worked for up to this point. Dean also supports this claim in “Shakespeare’s Jealous Husbands: Othello and Leontes”. He states how Othello is a minority In Cyprus. Yet he is given the most power out of the group. This might then shows to me how Othello is always looking over his shoulder to see who is coming for his power. Therefore leaving him oblivious to the other issues around him like Iago. For he thought that he could trust Iago, being wrong, for he is so caught up in his own insecurities. Dean argues that Othello’s insecurities wouldn’t have come up if it weren’t for Iago. Therefore Iago has some insecurity

This being the idea that you are blinded by one's flaws because you are in awe of their excellence. In Othello, Desdemona was one of the most affected characters by racial romanticization. The flaws of Othello seduced Desdemona in such a way that it made her feel sympathetic. It gave her a sense of self-obligation to help Othello in a time of difficulty. The question with Desdemona here is, what made her feel this way about Othello? It is made apparent to us that her father, Brabanito, used to invite Othello over to tell stories about his life. Othello used to describe the horror he saw on the battlefield and how other folks mistreated him. In the background, Desdemona used to listen to the stories and feel sorry for Othello. As explained by Othello himself, “And often did beguile her of her tears when I did speak of some distressful stroke that my youth suffered. … She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them” (7, 158-9 & 171-2). She felt so bad for Othello that she felt that it was her job to show him love again. To show him what it meant to be cared for, causing her to be a victim of racial romanticization. As the reader takes a step back and looks at Desdemona, there’s a much more compelling problem. While Othello was telling these stories of his youth, Desdemona was in the back painting an image of Othello. With