Discuss the presentation of post-colonial ideas in Shakespeare's Othello.

The post-colonial read of Othello rests with the
examination of the "insider/ outsider" dynamic. In this particular case, it would be
done on the grounds of race.  The post-colonial issue of racial identity is of vital
concern in "Othello."  This could take many forms.  One such idea would be how
Shakespeare actually depicts the Black hero of his drama.  Is he making a point to say
that the "Black moor" of Othello would never be accepted into Venetian society because
he is incapable of being a part of it or because he would be denied admittance to it? 
Putting this debate in another way, is Shakespeare critiquing the notions of race that
are in Elizabethan society is or is reflecting them?  Is this a statement of what is in
the hopes of what should be, or an apologist for what is?  Othello is shown to be an
individual who cannot handle the demands of being an "insider."  Certainly, the post-
colonial analysis of Shakespeare's language in describing Othello ("black ewe" or "thick
lips") would be a poart of this discussion.  The post- colonial element of his racial
composition becomes an immediate idea present.

From a
broader point of view, the Age of Exploration that had no doubt begun to settle over
England and all of Europe would become another element that is discussed in a post-
coloniali reading of Othello.  The entire establishment of the
"insider/ outsider" status occupies greater importance when seeing
Othello in this context.  For the post-colonial thinker, the
establishment of "insider" vs. "outsider" stratification only developed as a result of
colonialism and in the drama, there might be a clear statement being asserted about how
"the other" needs to be subjugated and controlled.  The fact that Othello is black and
Desdemona is white only adds to this.  The Venetian society is happy to keep Othello as
an outsider, a soldier and someone who is on the fringe of their world.  Brabantio's
objection to Othello could be seen in a post- colonial context as racial as much as
anything else.  The idea of "the other" moving closer to the insider status becomes a
thought too horrifying for him to bear.  In addition to this, post- colonial thinkers
would focus on how Othello, himself, is not entirely an individual in his own control. 
It might be very well due to the insecurity and doubt that he holds himself, having
internalized the very social order through which he permeates.  The self- doubt and
misunderstanding of self, again, could be seen as Shakespeare's critique of the social
system or his condoning it.  It is this discussion of race and how it impacts the
characters, the narrative style, and its thematic development that reveals the post-
colonial elements of the drama.