Prejudice has stood through ages of civil reform, Othello, written so many years ago is a valid example of the subtle ignorant racial prejudices we see today, though society has become aware, racism is still in the public subconscious. Othello was brought under racism to the duke. His total self was always judged in a racial way. Only to a certain few, his qualities were beyond his skin color. Othello's qualities did nothing to counter the accusations, like today, hate crimes are increasing while the people disregard all positive aspects of the each others difference. Racial slurs are an offensive attack on equality, Iago used them so well, and today's youth uses it so commonly. Progress has brought us to a point of only knowing racism is wrong rather than practicing it in our daily efforts for equality, the Duke knew this but did not practice, just like every jerk who preaches a moral Christian ethic and then burns crosses on peoples lawns.
             Every human has a fault. Racism pinpoints this fault and overemphasizes the fact and generalizes it to fit every person within that race. Just the same, positive qualities can be found in ANY person. But a generalization is not made for these good aspects. Instead it might be considered a fluke, or a mistake. In Othello the duke said, "If virtue no delighted beauty lack, your son-in-law is far more fair than black." (Act I Sc III). The Duke is demonstrating to the ignorant Brabantio that, his skin set aside, he is a beautiful representation of a man fit to be his son-in-law. So many activists have set a goal that humanity will someday reach a point where society doesn't have to be reminded of the evil of racial prejudice. Yet still these things carry on. Hate crime laws must be enforced rather be followed just for the simple fact that it is wrong. Most of the public are appalled that someone such as James Byrd Jr., who was chained to a pickup and dragged to his death. Yet...