Racism in William Shakespeare's OthelloThe play Othello is certainly, in part, the tragedy of racism. Examples of racism are common throughout the dialogue. This racism is directed against Othello, a brave African soldier and currently supreme commander of the Venetian army. Almost every character uses a racial slur to insult Othello at some point in the play. Even Emilia goes so far as to insult Othello based on the color of his skin. The character who most commonly makes racist comments in Othello is Iago. It is very clear that Iago uses racism as a scapegoat to hate and blame Othello. Social racism claims victims among its victims. The effect of racism on Othello is quite evident and is a major cause of his insecurity about his marriage. However, Othello is not entirely the tragedy of racism. The theme of jealousy is also extremely important in Othello. Racism may play an important role in the tragedy, Othello, but it certainly does not adequately explain the entire play. Othello is a nobleman, a decorated soldier, highly respected by his men (with the exception of Iago). One of the few characteristics that harms him, rather than helps him, is that he has dark skin in a society completely dominated by men who are prejudiced against those with dark skin. At the beginning of the play, he seems confident that "my parts, my title, and my perfect soul / will manifest me rightly." (1, 2, 36-37) But Iago makes sure to use Othello's race against him as much as possible. In Act 1, Scene 1, Iago effectively uses racism to turn Brabantio against Othello. He is the catalyst for all destructive events throughout the play starting from the beginning. Iago uses brutally racist slang to infuriate B......middle of paper......is. Othello is so mad with jealousy that he submits completely to Iago. When Iago suggests having Cassio killed and killing Desdemona himself, Othello readily agrees. Iago's manipulation of Othello was based much more on jealousy than racism. The theme of racism in Othello is clearly very important. Due to racism, Othello becomes much more vulnerable to manipulation and is easily deceived by Iago. Racism ensures that Othello will remain isolated from his peers while Iago tinkers with his mind separating him from his white peers and making him the outsider. While Othello is not just the tragedy of racism, it actually could not be a tragedy without the negative pressures of racism. Work cited Shakespeare, William. "Othello". The Norton Shakespeare. Ed. Stephen Greenblatt. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1997.