Some Maladies of Early Modern Race Study in Shakespeare

Reviews the Shakespeare Quarterly special issue (spring 2016), a collection of articles on different aspects of modern race study in Shakespeare. Addresses the problems confronting race study, the rhetoric of race "conversation," and difficulties in race scholarship. Focuses on Ian Smith's "Who Speaks for Othello" as representative of race study in Shakespeare. Locates an important place for race study conducted according to traditional scholarship, not committed to a "politically engaged scholarship.