Othello Essay on Racism

In the play Othello, the tragedy of racism is one of the main features that is practiced by almost every character. The profound victim of this situation is Othello. The validity of this statement may be analysed through Iago, Brabantio, Desdemona, the Venetians and Othello himself.
Iago doesn’t express anything racist to Othello’s face, but he’s got much to say against him behind his back, meanwhile planning to destroy him. His first racist comment is made in act one, during his conversation with Brabantio about Othello and Desdemona : “Even now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe.” He refers to Othello as if he was a thief who has robbed Brabantio. Iago’s despicable animalistic remarks about Othello’s marriage clearly suggest racism towards Othello’s origin.
Brabantio claims that Othello used black magic to get Desdemona to marry to him. Othello, in Brabarntio’s eyes is obviously a pagan. He cannot understand how Desdemona would run “to the sooty bosom/ of such a thing” and expresses his views by questioning Desdemona about how she could fall in love with what she feared to look at. Brabantio is unable to accept his daughter’s rebellion. He claims that if Othello’s marriage is permitted, slaves will rule Venice which implies humiliation based on racism.
While many opposed Othello due to racism, Desdemona truly loved and respected him. Although she was well aware of the social conventions, she was prepared to stand up in the Senate and defend her actions courageously. During her speech she suggests signs of ‘colour-blindness’ :“I saw Othello’s visage in his mind”. Desdemona’s loyalty causes her to refuse to admit that there could be a problem in their relationship due to racism.
The Venetians in general, including the soldiers, have nothing but praise for him. Montano proves this in his speech “For I have served him, and the man commands like a full soldier.” Although there’s no indication of how the marriage between Othello and Desdemona is...