There are multiple racial statements made by Iago to Othello. Some of these statements are: "an old black ram" and a man having "thick lips". Even though Othello could be considered a man of higher class politically, he is portrayed as inferior because he is black. Therefore, I do believe that “Othello” could be considered a little bit racist. If Othello was white, would he be looked upon any differently? Absolutely! Iago might still try to manipulate Othello and his beliefs, but he might have survived, as well as Desdemona. Othello wouldn’t have to try to direct his hatred to him through racist comments.
Race in itself plays such a huge role in the play. Without that element the play wouldn't be the work of merit it is. In some eyes, Othello may be racist, but it is racist in the name of literature. It’s Othello’s race that makes him so insecure and allows Iago to manipulate him into murdering his wife. Racist remarks such as "an old black ram" and “the Moor” are used throughout the play only to betray the stereotype given to African American during the time of the play and Iago’s deeply infused hate towards Othello. The fact that a Moor was higher than he was ate Iago alive and when his two faced dedication didn’t pay off, his jealousy wouldn’t allow him to take coming in second to a Moor any longer. Race is the fuel that drives Othello.
Othello, the protagonist and hero of the play, is continually singled out for his differences. Despite his rank in society as the general of the Venice army and commander of Cyprus, Othello is an easy target. In the beginning of the play, Iago would use racist comments such as "thick lips" or "the Moor" to refer to Othello. Although greaty respected, Othello's differences outweighed all. The fact that he was foreign to Venice didn't make it any easier. Furthermore, the fact that he was black and that he was also significantly older than Desdemona are factors that drove their marriage to be a secret. These factors were also Othello's insecurities and what eventually led him to his downfall. Ultimately, no amount of respect or honor would overpower the main fact that Othello was of another race.
Yet again i agree with Trenton. Iago makes many racial comments toward his "friend" Othello. Even though Othello is a General, he is still considered "inferior" to all the other citizens in Venice. I do beleive that the play is racist. If Othello was of a different race that suits the people of that time Iago would have still tryed to take advantage of him. Yet Iago probably wouldn't have used racist comments to show his hate towards Othello.
There are a few racial remarks made toward Othello. He is refered to as "an old black ram" and "the Moor" only to be criticized for being black. Although he is the general of the army he is still put down because of his color. Desdomona's father didn't want her to marry Othello for the same reason. Who wouldn't want their daughter to marry a man of such power? Othello knows this becuase he questions himself sometime about his color. Maybe that's why Desdomona would cheat on him? Knowning this, it led him to his downfall to believe that he isn't as good as the others. No other character is being criticized as much as Othello. This story wouldn't be the way it was if Othello wasn't of a different race.
This is Terry Burgess. There are a few racial remarks in the play directed by Iago and some other characters. Some statements are used such as," thick lips...an old black ram..." and some others. This does not make the play racist. Iago does not like Othello, so he is bashing him. The play is actually very anti-racist. There is no way during this time period that a black person would be over any white person in any capacity. So by allowing Othello in a position of power, the play is showing that blacks can be in charge. He also plays into some stereotypes at the time by marrying Desdemona without even notifying her father, which is very disrespectful and dishonest.
Iago makes many racial remarks throughout the play. Othello is refered to as "thick lips," "an old black ram," and "the devil." Although there are a lot of racist comments I do not believe that it was a racist play because that was just the dialect of the time. Most black people were looked down on, but in many ways Othello was looked up to.
I agree with Trent. If Iago was Othello's "true" friend then he would not make comments such as "an old black ram" about Othello. If he was white instead of black I also believe that Iago would still manipulate him, but the outcomes would be much different.
Some of the racial remarks in this play consist of Iago and other characters referring to Othello as "thick lips," old black ram," and "the moor. I do not believe these statements make this play racist. Back during the time period in which this play was written, it was not uncommon for people to use derogatory terms to descibe dark-skinned people. It was just a part of society. If Othello had been of another race, they still would've used negative terms to describe him. Even if he was white, it wouldn't have deterred Iago from lying to him. Othello's race was just another tool for Iago to use to bring Othello down. True, it may have been a lot easier for Othello and Desdemona if he was white, but the outcome would've been the same.
i believe it is all according to the times. many of the characters jeer Othello with many names. these names include "Moor" and "Black ram" which serve to show shakespeare's intent of racism. although, the time at which this play was written pre-dated the idea of "racism". this was normal for the culture of the time. in today's society these names would cause a lot of trouble for the person who speaks them. the audience of the time though, i'm sure looked at them as normal, or possibly overlooked it all together, noting that the play is indeed meant to sound racist to the audience today because it adds an element in the play, and makes Othello even more hero-ized due to his conquering of the "odds" stacked against him. it does indeed lead to Othello's self security issues, making him unsettled about the idea of his white wife. in summary i believe it is according to what time period you are looking at it from to determine just how racist this play is meant to be.
I could not disagree with Trent any more than I do. He is not portrayed as an inferior. No one hates him because he is black. The people who hate him hate him for good reasons. Iago hates him because he passed him up fpr a promotion and Desdemona's dad hates him because he stole his daughter.
I agree with Terry. I do not believe the play is racist at all. There were some racist comments made in the play towards Othello, but it doesn't make the play as a whole racist. In fact Othello had a very high status and was well respected, when during that time was unheard of.
This is Chris. Othello thinks himself inferior because he is black, which is one of the biggest reasons he has to doubt Desdemona's unfailing love for him. This doubt allows Iago to manipulate Othello easier. So i wouldn't consider Othello racist even though many of the character think Othello is inferior because of his color.
I'm with Terry on this one. The use if these terms doesn't make this play racist. If you don't like someone, then you're going to find anything you can to use against them. Othello just happened to be black. Like Terry said, he even went against tradition and married Desdemona without first asking her father's permission.
The fact that Iago makes racist remarks to Othello, makes this play somewhat racist. He makes remarks such as "black ram" to emphasize and mock Othello being black.
Iago continuously critized Othello of his race regardless of Othello's rank in the army, and the respect he has gained. Even though Othello is a good man he is known as nothing but "the Moor". During the play, most of the men repeadely remind him that he is black and automatically single him out. I don't believe the play as a whole is racist even though racist comments are made towards Othello. The play shows what is really taking place in that era and how there weren't as many "black" people around. In any environment, there is alittle discrimnation whether the character is black, white, or hispanic. Most of the characters envyed Othello because of his high class, manly-hood, and his respectfulness towards others. While Othello is viewed as different because he was from Venice, to top it off, he just happen to be black. I believe jealously is the main factor in this play.
There are some racial slurs contained in the play. Many of the racial statements come from Iago. Since Iago is furious at Othello he is naturally goint to speak of him in a derogatory manor. This does not make the play as a whole racist, in fact Iago might not really be racist himself just angry at Othello.
I somewhat agree with Terry. It doesn't really matter if Othello was black or not. If Othello was of any other race with the same characteristics of the "black" Othello. The men would have still had hatred towards him. It is all a JEALOUSY issue. Othello had the woman everyone wanted. He was in a politically higher class, and being "black" didn't prevent him from having it all.
I think in this matter I will agree with Terry. The play itself isn't racist though I believe Shakespeare made some of his characters racist to portray real society at the time. I agree that putting in Othello in power makes this less of a racist play. But I also agree with whoever it was who said that demeaning Othello and making him insecure with his race and color allowed him to easily be duped to believe Desdemona was too good for him and would cheat on him; therefore causing him to kill her rather than loose her to another man.
I agree with Josh. I don't think that the statements such as "thick lips" and others make the play racist. I too believe that if Othello was white they would have said along the same type stuff. It was just who Othello was.
I disagree with Nathan and Terry. The play is not overly racist but in some ways it is racial. Othello is called "moore" and "old black ram." In todays world that would be considered racists by todays standards.
This is Chris. I couldnt disagree with Terry any more than I do. I don't agree with his views that the play is not racist because he holds a position of power. I also don't agree with Black people being stereotyped as dishonest as Mr. Burgess does.
I agree that this play is racist. One of Othello's biggest insecurities is that he is black, and Iago uses that to use advantage. Othello being black effects every aspect of his life, from his social standing to his marriage.
CaylaAmber said... I agree with Asa in that the play isn't racist, even though it contains a few racist comments. Asa said that there is discrimination no matter what race you are, and that is the truth. People were jealous of Othello and were trying to find whatever they could to bash and degrade his name. They thought that by calling him names and making fun of him that it would make themselves feel better about themselves, which is how a lot of people are today.
Racism affects Othello's relationship with almost everyone, including his wife. Desdemona is certainly not racist, but because of Othello's race and the prejudice that he must constantly fight against, he doubts his wife's love and loyalty. He finds it easy to believe false charges against Desdemona because he does not feel worthy of her. This feeling is the result of the racist treatment he has faced throughout his career in Venice. Likewise, Iago has no difficulty portraying Othello as a lust-filled older man taking advantage of a young girl's innocence. He convinces Brabantio that Othello must have used magical powers to entice Desdemona into marriage, for why else would a noble white girl marry a black military leader? This is the prejudice of Iago's time; so no one argues with his words.
This seems to be a hot topic for us all to comment on. I see that a lot of people don't agree with my initial statement and I value everyone's opinion...and this is what it is - an opinion. I stated that I believe that this play can be seen as a little bit racist. Am I wrong for saying this? Not in my opinion. I don't think that a lot of the responses to my post read it carefully. "Could be considered a little bit racist" doesn't match up with what other posters are saying that I said..."There were some racist comments made in the play towards Othello, but it doesn't make the play as a whole racist" - Billy P, this is essentially the same thing that I said, but Billy disagrees with what I said...interesting. No harm Billy :)
I agree that the play does have racial remarks in it that discriminate against Othello because of the color of his skin. However, I also agree that in the time period it was not uncommon to make derogatory statements toward any person of a different race. I don't believe these terms make the play racist, I just think that the works were used to show jealousy and misunderstanding between characters.
the topic was do these remarks make the play racist..... there can be racist remarks in the play without the play being racist.... did william shakespeare hate black people??? we do not know...racist remarks will be around as long as time continues. because a writer inputs the culture of their time into their writing it does not make the play racvist in any way shape or form... allstrtr or whoever. i dont really know what your talking about. in my eyes i took a completely different approach from anyone on the board. except for nate who somewhat agreed with me.
34 comments:
There are multiple racial statements made by Iago to Othello. Some of these statements are: "an old black ram" and a man having "thick lips". Even though Othello could be considered a man of higher class politically, he is portrayed as inferior because he is black. Therefore, I do believe that “Othello” could be considered a little bit racist. If Othello was white, would he be looked upon any differently? Absolutely! Iago might still try to manipulate Othello and his beliefs, but he might have survived, as well as Desdemona. Othello wouldn’t have to try to direct his hatred to him through racist comments.
Race in itself plays such a huge role in the play. Without that element the play wouldn't be the work of merit it is. In some eyes, Othello may be racist, but it is racist in the name of literature. It’s Othello’s race that makes him so insecure and allows Iago to manipulate him into murdering his wife. Racist remarks such as "an old black ram" and “the Moor” are used throughout the play only to betray the stereotype given to African American during the time of the play and Iago’s deeply infused hate towards Othello. The fact that a Moor was higher than he was ate Iago alive and when his two faced dedication didn’t pay off, his jealousy wouldn’t allow him to take coming in second to a Moor any longer. Race is the fuel that drives Othello.
Othello, the protagonist and hero of the play, is continually singled out for his differences. Despite his rank in society as the general of the Venice army and commander of Cyprus, Othello is an easy target. In the beginning of the play, Iago would use racist comments such as "thick lips" or "the Moor" to refer to Othello. Although greaty respected, Othello's differences outweighed all. The fact that he was foreign to Venice didn't make it any easier. Furthermore, the fact that he was black and that he was also significantly older than Desdemona are factors that drove their marriage to be a secret. These factors were also Othello's insecurities and what eventually led him to his downfall. Ultimately, no amount of respect or honor would overpower the main fact that Othello was of another race.
Yet again i agree with Trenton. Iago makes many racial comments toward his "friend" Othello. Even though Othello is a General, he is still considered "inferior" to all the other citizens in Venice. I do beleive that the play is racist. If Othello was of a different race that suits the people of that time Iago would have still tryed to take advantage of him. Yet Iago probably wouldn't have used racist comments to show his hate towards Othello.
There are a few racial remarks made toward Othello. He is refered to as "an old black ram" and "the Moor" only to be criticized for being black. Although he is the general of the army he is still put down because of his color. Desdomona's father didn't want her to marry Othello for the same reason. Who wouldn't want their daughter to marry a man of such power? Othello knows this becuase he questions himself sometime about his color. Maybe that's why Desdomona would cheat on him? Knowning this, it led him to his downfall to believe that he isn't as good as the others. No other character is being criticized as much as Othello. This story wouldn't be the way it was if Othello wasn't of a different race.
This is Terry Burgess.
There are a few racial remarks in the play directed by Iago and some other characters. Some statements are used such as," thick lips...an old black ram..." and some others. This does not make the play racist. Iago does not like Othello, so he is bashing him. The play is actually very anti-racist. There is no way during this time period that a black person would be over any white person in any capacity. So by allowing Othello in a position of power, the play is showing that blacks can be in charge. He also plays into some stereotypes at the time by marrying Desdemona without even notifying her father, which is very disrespectful and dishonest.
Iago makes many racial remarks throughout the play. Othello is refered to as "thick lips," "an old black ram," and "the devil." Although there are a lot of racist comments I do not believe that it was a racist play because that was just the dialect of the time. Most black people were looked down on, but in many ways Othello was looked up to.
I agree with Trent. If Iago was Othello's "true" friend then he would not make comments such as "an old black ram" about Othello. If he was white instead of black I also believe that Iago would still manipulate him, but the outcomes would be much different.
Some of the racial remarks in this play consist of Iago and other characters referring to Othello as "thick lips," old black ram," and "the moor. I do not believe these statements make this play racist. Back during the time period in which this play was written, it was not uncommon for people to use derogatory terms to descibe dark-skinned people. It was just a part of society. If Othello had been of another race, they still would've used negative terms to describe him. Even if he was white, it wouldn't have deterred Iago from lying to him. Othello's race was just another tool for Iago to use to bring Othello down. True, it may have been a lot easier for Othello and Desdemona if he was white, but the outcome would've been the same.
i believe it is all according to the times. many of the characters jeer Othello with many names. these names include "Moor" and "Black ram" which serve to show shakespeare's intent of racism. although, the time at which this play was written pre-dated the idea of "racism". this was normal for the culture of the time. in today's society these names would cause a lot of trouble for the person who speaks them. the audience of the time though, i'm sure looked at them as normal, or possibly overlooked it all together, noting that the play is indeed meant to sound racist to the audience today because it adds an element in the play, and makes Othello even more hero-ized due to his conquering of the "odds" stacked against him. it does indeed lead to Othello's self security issues, making him unsettled about the idea of his white wife. in summary i believe it is according to what time period you are looking at it from to determine just how racist this play is meant to be.
the above is BILLY P's
I could not disagree with Trent any more than I do. He is not portrayed as an inferior. No one hates him because he is black. The people who hate him hate him for good reasons. Iago hates him because he passed him up fpr a promotion and Desdemona's dad hates him because he stole his daughter.
That last Hollifield post was Terry Burgess.
I agree with Terry. I do not believe the play is racist at all. There were some racist comments made in the play towards Othello, but it doesn't make the play as a whole racist. In fact Othello had a very high status and was well respected, when during that time was unheard of.
This is Chris. Othello thinks himself inferior because he is black, which is one of the biggest reasons he has to doubt Desdemona's unfailing love for him. This doubt allows Iago to manipulate Othello easier. So i wouldn't consider Othello racist even though many of the character think Othello is inferior because of his color.
I'm with Terry on this one. The use if these terms doesn't make this play racist. If you don't like someone, then you're going to find anything you can to use against them. Othello just happened to be black. Like Terry said, he even went against tradition and married Desdemona without first asking her father's permission.
The fact that Iago makes racist remarks to Othello, makes this play somewhat racist. He makes remarks such as "black ram" to emphasize and mock Othello being black.
Iago continuously critized Othello of his race regardless of Othello's rank in the army, and the respect he has gained. Even though Othello is a good man he is known as nothing but "the Moor". During the play, most of the men repeadely remind him that he is black and automatically single him out. I don't believe the play as a whole is racist even though racist comments are made towards Othello. The play shows what is really taking place in that era and how there weren't as many "black" people around. In any environment, there is alittle discrimnation whether the character is black, white, or hispanic. Most of the characters envyed Othello because of his high class, manly-hood, and his respectfulness towards others. While Othello is viewed as different because he was from Venice, to top it off, he just happen to be black. I believe jealously is the main factor in this play.
,not racism.
There are some racial slurs contained in the play. Many of the racial statements come from Iago. Since Iago is furious at Othello he is naturally goint to speak of him in a derogatory manor. This does not make the play as a whole racist, in fact Iago might not really be racist himself just angry at Othello.
I somewhat agree with Terry. It doesn't really matter if Othello was black or not. If Othello was of any other race with the same characteristics of the "black" Othello. The men would have still had hatred towards him. It is all a JEALOUSY issue. Othello had the woman everyone wanted. He was in a politically higher class, and being "black" didn't prevent him from having it all.
I think in this matter I will agree with Terry. The play itself isn't racist though I believe Shakespeare made some of his characters racist to portray real society at the time. I agree that putting in Othello in power makes this less of a racist play. But I also agree with whoever it was who said that demeaning Othello and making him insecure with his race and color allowed him to easily be duped to believe Desdemona was too good for him and would cheat on him; therefore causing him to kill her rather than loose her to another man.
I agree with Josh. I don't think that the statements such as "thick lips" and others make the play racist. I too believe that if Othello was white they would have said along the same type stuff. It was just who Othello was.
I disagree with Nathan and Terry. The play is not overly racist but in some ways it is racial. Othello is called "moore" and "old black ram." In todays world that would be considered racists by todays standards.
This is Chris. I couldnt disagree with Terry any more than I do. I don't agree with his views that the play is not racist because he holds a position of power. I also don't agree with Black people being stereotyped as dishonest as Mr. Burgess does.
I agree that this play is racist. One of Othello's biggest insecurities is that he is black, and Iago uses that to use advantage. Othello being black effects every aspect of his life, from his social standing to his marriage.
That comment was Kelly's.
I agree with Kelly. One of Othello's insecurities is that he is black and people use that to their advantage to discourage him.
CaylaAmber said...
I agree with Asa in that the play isn't racist, even though it contains a few racist comments. Asa said that there is discrimination no matter what race you are, and that is the truth. People were jealous of Othello and were trying to find whatever they could to bash and degrade his name. They thought that by calling him names and making fun of him that it would make themselves feel better about themselves, which is how a lot of people are today.
Racism affects Othello's relationship with almost everyone, including his wife. Desdemona is certainly not racist, but because of Othello's race and the prejudice that he must constantly fight against, he doubts his wife's love and loyalty. He finds it easy to believe false charges against Desdemona because he does not feel worthy of her. This feeling is the result of the racist treatment he has faced throughout his career in Venice. Likewise, Iago has no difficulty portraying Othello as a lust-filled older man taking advantage of a young girl's innocence. He convinces Brabantio that Othello must have used magical powers to entice Desdemona into marriage, for why else would a noble white girl marry a black military leader? This is the prejudice of Iago's time; so no one argues with his words.
This seems to be a hot topic for us all to comment on. I see that a lot of people don't agree with my initial statement and I value everyone's opinion...and this is what it is - an opinion. I stated that I believe that this play can be seen as a little bit racist. Am I wrong for saying this? Not in my opinion. I don't think that a lot of the responses to my post read it carefully. "Could be considered a little bit racist" doesn't match up with what other posters are saying that I said..."There were some racist comments made in the play towards Othello, but it doesn't make the play as a whole racist" - Billy P, this is essentially the same thing that I said, but Billy disagrees with what I said...interesting.
No harm Billy :)
I agree that the play does have racial remarks in it that discriminate against Othello because of the color of his skin. However, I also agree that in the time period it was not uncommon to make derogatory statements toward any person of a different race. I don't believe these terms make the play racist, I just think that the works were used to show jealousy and misunderstanding between characters.
the topic was do these remarks make the play racist..... there can be racist remarks in the play without the play being racist.... did william shakespeare hate black people??? we do not know...racist remarks will be around as long as time continues. because a writer inputs the culture of their time into their writing it does not make the play racvist in any way shape or form... allstrtr or whoever. i dont really know what your talking about. in my eyes i took a completely different approach from anyone on the board. except for nate who somewhat agreed with me.
i didnt really disagree with anybody. i stated my own ideas without even looking to anyone elses for background (the first time).
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