Othello claims political and military status on the model of royal lineage.

Evidence

Like other Moors in Shakespeare, such as Aaron and Morocco, Othello can no doubt claim a political and military status: “I fetch my life and being/From men of royal siege” (1.2.21-22), “My parts, my tide, and my perfect soul! Shall manifest me rightly” (1.2.31-32), a status that, as Iago points out, the state itself is temporarily eager to approve (“the state … cannot with safety cast him,” 1.1.145-47). — Gil Anidjar, The Jew, the Arab, 525