Race is an enduring controversy, remaining prevalent in literature and culture over many centuries. Recent events like Ferguson confirm the reality that racism still exists, and that it is not an old, outdated phenomenon. From the landmark Sacco and Vanzetti Trial to the shooting of eighteen-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, society has consistently seen racial profiling and values of nativism affect human decision making and behavior. William Shakespeare’s play Othello is no exception. The play’s protagonist, Othello, a high-ranking official in the Venetian army, is a descendant from northern Africa and the only non-white character in the play. Despite his acknowledged abilities and knowledge, the military leader is often belittled by other characters in the play because of his race.
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Race is a global and historic issue dating back to the days of immigration and westward expansion. While some might expect a person’s nobility to protect them from such hatred and racism, the fundamental nature of such beliefs often allows racism to pervade. Othello, the only non-white character in Othello, is a well-known military mastermind. Yet, the play’s other characters, including his own wife, nonchalantly refer to Othello using the derogatory racial slur, “the Moor.” Othello is unable to escape the hatred that being of a different race entailed in 17th century European society even though he ranks highly in the military, and earns respect from some of the country’s top authorities. On one hand, Othello is one of the most respected soldiers in an entire country. On the other, he is subject to unfair, hateful treatment and animalistic comparisons because of his African descent. Play directors continue to produce the centuries-old play in hopes to connect and unite several generations of people over the lasting dilemma of
Race is a global and historic issue dating back to the days of immigration and westward expansion. While some might expect a person’s nobility to protect them from such hatred and racism, the fundamental nature of such beliefs often allows racism to pervade. Othello, the only non-white character in Othello, is a well-known military mastermind. Yet, the play’s other characters, including his own wife, nonchalantly refer to Othello using the derogatory racial slur, “the Moor.” Othello is unable to escape the hatred that being of a different race entailed in 17th century European society even though he ranks highly in the military, and earns respect from some of the country’s top authorities. On one hand, Othello is one of the most respected soldiers in an entire country. On the other, he is subject to unfair, hateful treatment and animalistic comparisons because of his African descent. Play directors continue to produce the centuries-old play in hopes to connect and unite several generations of people over the lasting dilemma of