Uncle Tomism

American  

[uhng-kuhl tom-iz-uhm] / ˈʌŋ kəl ˈtɒm ɪz əm /

noun

1. a pattern of social behavior characterized by a willingly submissive attitude on the part of the Black participants in a given interaction and a benevolent but patronizing attitude on the part of the white participants.

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Etymology

Origin of Uncle Tomism

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; Uncle Tom + -ism

Example Sentences

At the intermission, we got to talking and I asked them if they remembered when “Porgy and Bess” was viewed as Uncle Tomism.

From New York Times

Uncle Tomism, notwithstanding, Hill and the Fab Five both elected, for their own reasons, to play in the big house.

From New York Times