Examples Of Discrimination In Othello

Over the course of the play, multiple characters make an issue with Othello's race. These characters share a common theme of hatred and resentment against Othello. Their hatred is fueled for various reasons, but these characters have no qualms of using Othello's African descent as a cause for concern. Right from the beginning, Iago shows hatred towards Othello for not getting the job he wanted. Instead of making his hate for Othello public, he elects to hurt Othello over time. He doesn't respect Othello and the only reason he follows him is to “serve my turn upon him.” (Act 1. Scene 1. Line 45) Iago becomes the number one instigator of Othello's own self discrimination. He plays mind games with Othello and often brings Othello to a point where

Most of these are introduced by characters against Othello. First, Roderigo replies to Iago with, “What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe / if he carry’s thus!” (1.1.66-67) Next, Iago says to Brabantio, “You’ll have/ your daughter covered with a Barbary horse” (1.1.112-113) Talking about Othello, Iago and Rodrigo disclose notable racial slurs of that time against Moors/Africans through these lines. Also, the reference to a “Barbary horse” depicts Othello as a person with similar qualities to that of an animal. Even “Thick-lips” is a disrespectful term referencing the difference between the facial features of Africans and Europeans that contains negative suggestions. These quotes also reference how black men are lesser than whites, and how people view them as less attractive animals at least compared to themselves. As the play continues, Othello has to console himself thinking of reasons why Desdemona would prefer a man like Cassio over himself. He still believes and trusts her, but the thoughts of her possible betrayal are looming over his mind. He even says, “Haply for I am black and have not those soft parts of conversation.” (3.3.304-305) This quote reinstitutes the idea of a stereotype that black men are inferior to whites because they are not as smart or as soft spoken as them. Even though Othello acts with great dignity and courtesy among others in the court, he still considers the idea that he is less civilized to others because of his race. Next, multiple times the word “black” (3.3.507) is used in a negative way to describe other topics. Often times “black” (3.3 507) becomes referenced to something that is dirty or corrupted, especially when comparing it to white. When comparing his own skin to that of his wife’s, Othello says, “begrimed and black/ as mine own face.” (3.3.441-442) He again makes the reference that being black is being unclean and tainted. A few lines later he