"Discrimination" Remember, discrimination is defined as the ability to discern and understand the differences in people, things, and situations.

While Othello is respected in Venice, he is not equal to the Venetians. For many years, the Venetians viewed Africans as a lesser, substandard (and in many cases, primitive and barbaric) culture. This discriminatory behavior/mindset is seen with Brabs (pgs. 35-37, 112-125) and Iago (pgs. 75-77, lines 242-270) as they argue Othello as an unlikely romantic partner for Desdemona.

Referring to your scene summary notes might be of some use! Here are the directions:

1. You will need to load the PDF copy of Othello (in this week's module)

2. Read over the above passages I have listed.

3. Answer the following questions:

A. After reading over Brab's speech, he speaks of "fear," Dez's judgment being imperfect, and "making an err/ against all rules of nature." Break down each of these sections. How has Brab's discriminated against Othello? Why should Dez fear Othello? Why does she lack judgment--what could be blocking her ability to reason? Why? And, how is she going against the rules of nature?

B. Iago speaks of similar cultural, discriminatory behavior as it applies to the seeds he is planting in Hot Rod's mind, convincing him that Dez will eventually find her way into another man's arms (Cassio). When she has a chance to see what she has gotten herself into, she will correct her mistake (discrimination will lead her to Cassio). He speaks of Othello as the "devil" and that "nature will instruct her" in making better decisions. Explain why Othello may be viewed at a devil, and what "nature" will help guide Dez's reasoning.

C. While it's not necessarily a "culture," the various student grade levels view each other different. For example, how you viewed what seniors were when you were a freshman, versus now that you are a senior. Conversely, how you view freshman now versus being a freshman a few years ago. Now that you have had some time in high school, which do you think is the best year to be a student: 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade? Why? Which do you think is the worst year to be a student? Why?