Written by Shakespeare, The Moor of Venice: A Tale of Overt Racism

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Moor; A simple word, in current English it brings to mind an image of ships or sailboats docked in the harbor. For this reason I was slightly confused why it would be assigned to a person, seemingly as a rank or title. However, the Oxford English Dictionary defines moor as “[A] native or inhabitant of ancient Mauretania, a region of North Africa corresponding to parts of present-day Morocco and Algeria” (OED). Knowing the true definition of this term brings forth a whole new angle under which to view this work by Shakespeare.
Throughout the play, Iago is obsessed with tearing Desdemona and Othello apart. While not the only contributing factor, I would argue Othello’s race plays a role in the development of Iago’s hate towards him. Of the nearly 60 times Moor appears in this play, Iago claims 29 with the next being Emilia with a tally of nine. Interestingly, Cassio refers to Othello as the Moor but one single time in the play.
When Iago arrived at Brabantio’s house to inform him of his daughter’s absence he called out to Brabantio that a white ewe was being defiled by a black ram, signifying Desdemona and Othello. Iago went on to shout, “I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs” (1.1.112-113). A modern equivalency would be, ‘I am here to inform you that your daughter is having relations with a colored man.” Iago racks up the majority of his 29 counts of Moor in the second act, while hatching his supposed revenge scheme.
After Brabantio and Othello arrive in front of the duke, Brabantio derisively refers to Othello as a Moor, saying “Humbly I thank your Grace. Here is the man – this Moor, whom now, it seems, Your special mandate for the state affairs Hath hither brought”...

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...their wills” (1.3.342-343). Depending on whether the characters defined Moors as just black people or if it included anyone with darker pigmentation, this statement insinuates Iago saw an entire race, or races of people as lacking in fortitude and easily malleable to his will.
While I have pointed out distinct signs of racism in the majority of leading characters, one should keep in mind that Othello was held in high regard for his many military successes. Although there was much protesting to the marriage of Desdemona and Othello, they were socially permitted to remain together, which would suggest at least some level of acceptance regarding interracial relationships among society in general.

Works Cited
Moor, n.2, def. 1. OED Online. December 2013. Oxford University Press. 6 February 2014.
Shakespeare, William. Othello. New York: Signet Classics, 1998. Print.

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