When the slang term “Uncle Tom” comes to mind, generally one thinks of black men or women working in a place that is dominated racially by Caucasians. In such a work environment, African Americans often feel out of place and find it difficult to relate to co-workers.
Controversially, it is said “Uncle Toms” attempt to move up the success ladder is by forgetting where they come from and adopting the ways of the racial majority.
Sociology professor Terry Scott said, “Uncle Tom makes me think of a black slave that was a traitor to his own ethnicity, that forgot where he came from.”
“A black man’s actions to make him labeled as an Uncle Tom is the man forgetting where he’s come from. He does not identify with black history,” said Scott.
African American men, in particular, are often depicted as lazy, high school dropouts, or even thugs. Contrastingly, when African American men graduate from college with a degree and begin their careers, they are targeted as an “Uncle Tom.”
Junior undecided major Jakiethen Green said, “Uncle Tom” is characterized as someone higher in office. Most black people in the office will look at him or her as a traitor for graduating from college and getting a job in corporate office. People will think that he took advantage of his opportunities.”
Junior business major Larry Hayes agrees.
Hayes said, “The man has forgot about everyone that has helped him get to where he is. If he was in corporate America, he knows that people will look at him funny because of where he is working and who he is working with.”
However, assimilation, or absorption and integration into a wider society or culture, could be the cause for the differences in views of African Americans in corporate America.
Perhaps, it is the African American man who is jealous and unable to see the positive in seeing his fellow man succeed.
Prarie View A&M
Tuesday, June 24, 2025