Honest Question. What is an "Uncle Tom?"

[gtp1976]

I've heard the term used before but I'm not exactly sure what it means. I assume it is in reference to the book, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" but I have never read it. It is used as a term for african american folks, I assume. Is it derogatory? Is it used mostly by african americans or white folks? or both?

I'm not trying to stir up anything if this is controversial, I just don't know what it means exactly and thought I'd ask.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

1. dictionary.com is you friend

uncle tom

n 1: contemptuous name for a Black man who is abjectly servile and deferential to Whites 2: a servile black character in a novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=uncle%20tom

[meegbear]

2. ...

Definition: a servile black character in a novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe
contemptuous name for a Black man who is abjectly servile and deferential to Whites

http://www.hyperdictionary.com/dictionary/Uncle+Tom

[sniffa]

5. uncLe tom was defiant though

a christ Like hero who refused to submit to his master. the connatation that uncLe tom has now stems from the minstreL shows that perverted uncLe tom.

[The Backlash Cometh]

7. Thank you for pointing that out.

I've said many times that "Uncle Tom" was too kind a word for Clarence Thomas.

[gtp1976]

6. dictionary definitions are so cold

and dry. They don't really give you a good feel for the current use of a word or phrase. That's why I prefer people.

[LiberalEsto]

3. It means someone who betrays their own people

to collaborate with the white "masters." And yes, it came from "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

[Burma Jones]

4. My Younger Brother

My kids also have Uncle Dave, Mike and Truman..............