Inequality is a theme that continually recurs in The Merchant of Venice, a play written by William Shakespeare in the 16th century, which portrays racism and prejudice that until today they remain an important symbol of inequality of opportunity and discrimination against a certain group based on race, religion and ethnicity in society. Some characters in this play become victims of racism and prejudice after experiencing a series of inequalities that would later become a catalyst for equality in the modern world. These themes are followed in today's society which allows the audience to create a connection and express empathy for the characters. Shakespeare writes explicit content regarding issues of racism and prejudice, doing so in such detail that he can relive each individual's experience thus presenting an important topic to modern audiences. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The Merchant of Venice explores the topic of racism and prejudice, a problem that continues to exist in today's society. Antisemitism against Shylock, Antonio's loan shark, is specifically shown in the show. Shylock, a Jew, becomes the target of Antonio and his friend's anti-Semitism and is constantly tormented by derogatory terms and verbal abuse. For example, in Scene 1, Act III, Shylock defends his profession as a moneylender, a person who lends money at an exceptionally high rate of interest while Antonio lends money without interest "Lend money free and lower / The rate of use here with us in Venice.” Antonio's interest-free payments and rumors about Shylock cause him to have a bad reputation, thus receiving anti-Semitic insults from his friends, especially in Act 4 where Graziano curses him "Oh, be damned, you inexorable dog!" ", referring to him as a dog. Shylock's anti-Semitic abuse highlights the stark inequality that Jews face for their religion and, similarly, also in modern times, where many practice racial anti-Semitism against Jews as racial group rather than against their religion, Judaism. In 2014, German Chancellor Angela Merkel led a demonstration against anti-Semitism after many anti-Semitic activities surfaced in Germany 18% of Turks in Germany still consider Jews inferior human beings. A study conducted by Bielefeld University in 2017 found that a large percentage of attacks against Jews were perpetrated by Muslims. Shakespeare's focus on anti-Semitism and prejudice against Jews in The Merchant of Venice allows modern audiences to connect the issue to the present time. Furthermore, prejudice against minorities such as Jews varies from person to person as many are preconceived by society's unfounded opinions. . This is relevant in today's society because each individual will have their own perception and belief in religion and/or race. In Act 4, Portia, the heiress of Belmont, narrates "A drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods / Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscated / to the state of Venice", outlining the treatment justified of Jews and other minorities. She then discusses with Nerissa her possible suitors: "If he has the standing of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I would rather he acquit me than marry me." Portia's prejudices against darker-skinned men show the racial prejudice passed on to her by her Christian society. In 2017, a Jewess.