The Effects of Racism and Misogyny in Othello

The Effects of Racism and Misogyny in Othello Race and gender heavily influence the course of peoples’ lives. Shakespeare’s “Othello” depicts a society in which racist and misogynist behaviour informs and affects how characters are perceived and treated. Women in the play are viewed by men as objects, available for their possession and use. The constant subtle and overt racism that Othello encounters throughout the play contribute to his downfall. The unjust treatment of women and people of colour in “Othello” is proof that their society is one of racism and misogyny. Male characters in the play perceive women as objects to possess and use as they see fit. Unwed women were considered the property of their fathers until marriage, and this is how Brabantio views Desdemona in the play. This is demonstrated when Brabantio discovers Desdemona’s marriage to Othello and says to her, “‘Gentle mistress;/ Do you perceive in all this noble company where most you owe obedience?’” (1.3.176-178). In this quote, Brabantio is asking Desdemona if she has married Othello, in which case she would be expected to show obedience towards him instead of Brabantio. Women were expected to be obedient to the whims of whoever they were perceived as belonging to, whether that was their husband or their father. Unwed women who exercise sexual freedom are treated with little to no respect. This is illustrated when Iago speaks of Cassio’s relationship with his mistress, Bianca, saying, “‘A huswife selling her desires/ buys herself bread and clothes: it is a creature / that dotes on Cassio/ … / He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain/ from the excess of laughter.’”(4.1.94-99). Iago states that Bianca is a prostitute who is in love with Cassio, despite the fact that Cassio does not respect her. One can infer that Bianca relies on Cassio for her living and wants to marry him, however, likely unbeknownst to her, Cassio laughs at her with his friends, is solely using her for sex, and likely