Othello and Race: Exploring the Matrix of Identity

The transcript explores the symbolic and linguistic associations of whiteness with purity and blackness with sin, tracing these ideas back to medieval morality plays. It discusses how these plays used blackness to signify moral corruption, influencing audience perceptions in Shakespeare's time. The concept of a 'diabolical script of blackness' is introduced, highlighting the pre-existing biases audiences held. The transcript also touches on Judith Butler's philosophy of identity performance, emphasizing how racial and gender identities were performed and reinforced on stage, shaping societal expectations and classifications.

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