Uncle Tom: From Compliment to Insult

Uncle Tom: From Compliment to Insult - Why

Uncle Tom

"Uncle Tom" is a derogatory term used by Black Americans to describe someone who is overeager to win the approval of Whites. Surprisingly, 150 years ago, it was a compliment to be called Uncle Tom.

Uncle Tom originated as a fictional hero from the novel "Uncle Tom Cabnet", written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. When the book was released in March 1852, it was an immediate sensation. In the US alone it sold 300,000 copies in a year, and more than 2m copies by the end of the decade. The character "Uncle Tom" was passive, not out of stupidity and he definitely wasn't joyful of his position, but was passive due to his religious values, which requires him to love everyone and selflessly endure his trials. Tom was very religious, had strength of faith. He spread love others, helping to alleviate the pain of slavery and enhance the hope of salvation. He encouraged others’ attempts at freedom. That is why he supported Eliza’s escape, as well as that of Cassy and Emmeline from the Legree plantation. Even though, Tom did not actively seek his own freedom, he practiced a kind of resistance in his passivity. When Legree orders him to beat the slave girl in Chapter 33, he refuses, standing firm in his values. He submitted to being beaten for his beliefs, but he did not capitulated or ran away.

The fictitious Tom's actual attributes and flaws over time became incidental. Black America had another use for him in real life. He was to represent the sell-outs of the Black race.

Comments

United Nations' Blueprint to End Poverty: Achieving Sustainable Development Goal #1

Sustainable Development Goal #1 End Poverty Did you know we have just six years left to achieve the sustainable development goals? In 2015, 193 United Nations member states committed to addressing 17 goals for a sustainable future, with the top priority being the eradication of poverty. Since then, what progress have these countries made in combating poverty? While ending poverty sounds promising, is it truly feasible? Let’s explore this further. Recent statistics show that around 9.2% of the global population, or approximately 700 million people, live in extreme poverty, defined as surviving on less than $1.90 per day. Additionally, about 26% of the global population, or roughly 1.3 billion people, live in moderate poverty, which is defined as living on $1.90 to $3.20 per day. Significant strides have been made in reducing poverty and income inequality over the past few decades, with the percentage of people living in extreme poverty decreasing from about 36% in 1990 to 9.2% in...

What are the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals?

United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development is a term you might have encountered frequently, but do you really know what it means? If not, let me explain briefly. Sustainable development refers to economic growth that doesn't depletes natural resources or jeopardize future generations. Essentially, it ensures that today's decisions don't negatively impact tomorrow's people. This concept encompasses four main areas: human, social, economic, and environmental. Next Question! Have you heard of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda? It's a global plan that outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieved by 2030 for a sustainable future. This framework was adopted by 193 UN member states in 2015. The 17 goals aim to bolster local economies, protect the environment, and ensure the well-being of our planet for future generations. Examples include promoting renewable energy, making housing more affordable and accessible, recy...

Two Cousins Open First Black-Owned Beauty Supply Store in Jefferson City, MO

Kumba Brewer and Candy Wright, both Liberians, migrated to Jefferson City, Missouri as teenagers. The cousins, who are now in their late twenties and early thirties, have established themselves as important citizens of Jefferson City. Two young Liberian natives, Kumba Brewer and Candy Wright moved to Jefferson City, MO as teenagers, few years ago. The cousins who are now in their late 20’s and early 30’s, have become prominent members of Jefferson City. It was July of 2021 when the young cousins stood in their store anticipating their first customer to walk in. After many weeks of ordering, doing inventory and stocking, they were able to cut the ribbon at Essence Beauty Supply Store, located at 431 E McCarthy Street. The grand opening is defying statistics because ethnic beauty supply stores like theirs are not typically Black-owned, but profits are driven primarily from the Black community. The owners say there’s a need for more Black-owned establishments, and ...

Berenice Mulubah

Search This Blog