The condemnation of prejudice in Shakespeare's Othello American history is a cornucopia of racial tensions, starting with the slave trade and spanning the centuries up to the Ku Klux Klan and the days of Martin Luther King. There is evidence that racial prejudice was just as widespread in 16th-century England as in modern America. Othello can be seen as Shakespeare's condemnation of racial prejudice. The character of Iago uses racial stereotypes to both denigrate Othello and plant the seeds of jealousy in him. Iago calls Brabantio "an old black ram / is feeding your white sheep". (I,i,96-7) He uses this image to infuriate the old man and denigrate Othello. Later in the scene, Iago refers to Othello as a "Barbary horse", indicating his North African heritage while at the same time conveying a sense of inferiority. (I,i,124) He continues this offensive metaphor by referring to Othello and Desdemona's future offspring as "gennets", a term for Spanish horses. (I,i,126) This opening scene sets the stage not only for Iago's hatred of Othello, but for his prejudice against him. In Roderigo's consolation, Iago calls Othello "a wandering barbarian" whom Desdemona will leave when she tires of him. (I,iii,377-8) Again to Roderigo, Iago asks "what delight will 'Desdemona' have in looking at the devil?" (II,i,258) While drinking with the men on guard in Cyprus, Iago drinks “to the health of black Othello”. (II,iii,30) These remarks are eventually made to Othello himself as Iago suggests that Desdemona would not love a Moor. Iago claims that all Venetian women are prone to infidelity in his speech:I know well the nature of our country:In Venice they show the skies the jokes They dare not n...... middle of paper...... I,iii ,507) Before killing Desdemona, he notices how white her skin is, describing it as "that skin of hers whiter than snow / and smooth as a monumental alabaster." (V,ii,4-5) Othello, we know, was driven by jealousy to kill Desdemona. However, it is clear that his jealousy is inspired by the racial prejudice prevalent throughout the play. By analyzing this work, we can understand the dangers of racial injustice. If I may take the liberty of paraphrasing: "Oh, beware, my lord, of racial prejudice! It is the green-eyed monster, which harms the society in which it thrives." In the character of Iago, Shakespeare demonstrates the dangers of having racial prejudices. Othello is a victim of pervasive social stereotypes that lead to his downfall. This play should serve as a warning about the horrendous plague of racism that plagues our society.