Othello is a Moor - from Africa, and visibly different. He is man who is seen - but ironically cannot see. He fails to detect a counterfeit handkerchief that causes him to fall into a jealous rage; he fails to see the deceptions of Iago; he fails to see the true virtue and loyalty of both Cassio and especially of Desdemona.
It is often commented that the play is about racism. That is true to some extent but it is not the main theme. It is worth noting that Iago's ploy to discredit Othello, labelling him as a black lascivious man who has seduced Desdemona with witchcraft fails by the end of Act I. Othello is recognised socially as honourable and worthy of both the marriage and his status as a General, called upon to defend Venice against invasion.
Considering the racist angle fails for Iago, he then devises more ingenious plots to destroy Othello; he does this by driving him mad with jealousy based on false accusation and false evidence of Desdemona's fidelity. Iago's skill is in manipulating motivations and emotions. He destroys the reputation of those who are loyal to Othello - Cassio. Iago's dark talent is to recognise psychological weakness.
From Act II on we watch Iago 'spin his web'. He exploits a friendly relationship between Cassio and Desdemona.
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