In “Women and Men in Othello: 'What Should Such a Fool/Do with Such a Good Woman?',” critic Carol Thomas Neely claims that almost everything rational thought in Othello comes from women. In Neely's view, Othello's men are too consumed by pride, jealousy, and sociopolitical pressure to think clearly, and as a result, they resort to reckless behavior and "destroy the women who mock them" ( 142) to preserve their sense of honor. While Neely may be right on this point, his argument that the women in Othello are entirely sensible is not strong. If these women were fully rational, they would be concerned with self-preservation and might not meet such a tragic end. Instead, females remain passive and allow hot-headed men to do most of the fighting in the battle of the sexes that is William Shakespeare's Othello. This article examines the development and outcomes of that battle. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One example of Othello's sexual politics has to do with double standards. Othello's men are free from traits highly prized in women, such as Desdemona's purity and devotion. While Desdemona's purity is “overshadowed” by her undying love for Othello (Adelman 126), Othello's masculinity and reputation as a sort of Casanova earn him respect and admiration. Indeed, Othello's "conquest" of the woman his men desire most does as much to raise their opinion of him as does his rank as general. Julia Genster writes that bonds formed in the military ranks have a direct correlation to a sexual power structure (785); the soldiers' desire for Desdemona and power – both of Othello's “possessions” – therefore creates an intriguing sexual dynamic between Othello, his wife, and his men. While genuine “male friendship, like male courage, is, in the play, sadly deteriorated by the Renaissance Ideal,” (Neely 144) the ideal of male conquest and colonization is rampant regarding the possession and consumption of the basest materials available: women and the right to boast explains, “Iago is critical, envious, and resentful – towards Cassio's position and 'everyday beauty,' Othello's love and power, perhaps even Rodrigo's wealth and rank” (143). Iago and the other men's decisions to act on their disgusting and jealous impulses are considered acts of honor. If Othello were to stand by a woman who was said to have been unfaithful, he would effectively be emasculated in the eyes of the public. It's the fear of a loss of credibility or reputation that drives jealous men to act irrationally, and it's so cold. political pressure that allows them to continue their real cockfight, even in the face of tragic consequences. Even though Othello's women bear the brunt of these tragic consequences, the argument remains that they are more rational and less competitive than men. Neely points out that "Desdemona's willingness to 'incur general mockery' is evident in her elopement and defense, and in her request to go to Cyprus" (145), and that "Emilia faces the contempt to defend his mistress, "Let heaven, and men, and devils, all cry shame against me, yet I will speak' (V.ii.222-23)" (145). Since they do not fear damage to their reputation, women, 1993.