What Way Would A Modern Audience React To The Way Race And...

In the Sixteenth century, as we see clearly from Othello and other works of both Shakespeare and Cinthios original version of Othello, race was a topic of great debate and discussion. Today, in the twenty-first century the debate retains its controversy and passion. However, attitudes towards race have taken a dramatic turn during the last century. In the developed world people are now living in an increasingly cosmopolitan society would undoubtedly be more tolerant and would reject or even be offended by racial discrimination to any person or sections of the community. Openly racist people today are seen as outcasts. Taking this into account, the way a modern audience would react to race and racism in Othello is dependent upon the way†¦show more content†¦The hypocrisy of Barbantio, though striking to a modern audience is still prevalent today. In a recent survey by students at Nottingham University, from a sample of 3000 people, 54% said that they would not consider inter- racial marriage. Shakespeare immediately can grasp an audiences attention through an issue as relevant now as it was almost half a century ago and by portraying Barbantio as misguided in his words, Shakespeare is criticising people who may be outwardly gentlemen but covertly hold racist views. There is some evidence that Shakespeare was using the play to promote racially prejudiced views as some critics suggest. They suggest that Othello finally becomes the violent animal, which he is personified to be by those who dislike him. Cinthios original version of the play had Othello being a Muslim and was made to be a beastly character but Shakespeare has altered him to be a noble and a Christian. Instead, Iago is portrayed as the most evil villain and also the hateful racist. Iago seems to have few motives for his devious actions. Although he does suffer from paranoia about whom his wife might be having an affair with and he resents Othello being promoted before himself, it seems that from his speech that the thing he hates most about Othello is the colour of his skin. Because of this he uses unintelligent and colloquial racism to insult Othello. He refers to Othello as,Show MoreRelatedEssay Race and Racism in Othello1793 Words   |  8 PagesIn What Way Would A Modern Audienc e React To The Way Race And Racism Is Portrayed In Othello? In the Sixteenth century, as we see clearly from Othello and other works of both Shakespeare and Cinthios original version of Othello, race was a topic of great debate and discussion. Today, in the twenty-first century the debate retains its controversy and passion. However, attitudes towards race have taken a dramatic turn during the last century. In the developed world people are now living in an