NO WAY MAAAAN....
There is no "institutional backing" behind the use of such a term, and thus, it cannot be racist.
Besides, whitey doesn't say it... so it can't be racist if its not coming from whitey.
Generally the term Uncle Tom is used amongst black people to describe others whom we view as sell-outs and traitors to the race, who have lined up with groups that want to oppress and harm blacks as a whole. Given that context, I do find it offensive when non-black people use the term to describe blacks as it really is something that is mainly kept within the black community.
Is the term "Uncle Tom" racist?
Yes
No
I Don't Know
In so much as other derogatory slurs based largely around race are inherently "racist".
Personally I would say it, and other slurs, are not inherently racist but rather the primary way in which they're used is racist.
That seems to be an unfortunate result of the racial divide in our country. I've heard it used simply because a black man or woman has chosen to dress conservatively in both casual and professional attire, discard the use of slang and perjoratives (like "nigger") in conversation, maintain normal speaking tones without the need to express loud behaviors, avoid and/or express dislike of rap and similar music, all of which simply generates the presumption they are acting "white." Why must someone display the most radical behaviors in order to be accepted in ones own "racial" group?
An uncle (by marriage) was a member of the Nation of Islam during the 60's and 70's, and always spoke politely and dressed conservatively. Today, based solely on his appearance and behavior he would as likely be labeled an "Uncle Tom."
Generally the term Uncle Tom is used amongst black people to describe others whom we view as sell-outs and traitors to the race, who have lined up with groups that want to oppress and harm blacks as a whole. Given that context, I do find it offensive when non-black people use the term to describe blacks as it really is something that is mainly kept within the black community.
It was inappropriate in the example that has recently come up, but because the guy who was talking about Clarence Thomas was white. It is not an inherently racist term. It does not degrade the person it is used on merely for their race. It is meant to be a criticism of one's actions from a member of the same group, be it race, religion, gender, whatever. A pro choice woman could certainly call an anti abortion woman an Uncle Tom. That it refers to a black character does not make it racist. But the point is that it criticizes a person for their actions, for their betrayal. It is not exclusive to blacks, despite the origin.
This is just faux conservative outrage by people who have never experienced actual discrimination and don't know how to recognize it when it happens.
No, not inherently. It is a racially charged term and perhaps racially insensitive, particularly when used by white people. However, because it inherently describes a particular black person - usually considered to be the exception and not the rule - it isn't innately racist.Is the term "Uncle Tom" racist?
Yes
No
I Don't Know
So all minorities are expected to believe one particular way and if they don't they're sell outs? Who are these groups that want to "oppress and harm blacks", that black people are aligning with that you feel justified in calling them traitors and sell outs?
I would like to note that the only thing these posts consist of is putting words in the mouths of the people being responded to.What a bunch of bull**** justification. You're just ok with it because it's mainly said about black conservatives. Trying to claim it has nothing to do with race is also bull****. And a pro-life woman is a traitor to women? Wow, that's a lot of ridiculous crap for one post.
Is the term "Uncle Tom" racist?
Yes
No
I Don't Know
I would like to note that the only thing these posts consist of is putting words in the mouths of the people being responded to.
So all minorities are expected to believe one particular way and if they don't they're sell outs? Who are these groups that want to "oppress and harm blacks", that black people are aligning with that you feel justified in calling them traitors and sell outs?
Generally the term Uncle Tom is used amongst black people to describe others whom we view as sell-outs and traitors to the race, who have lined up with groups that want to oppress and harm blacks as a whole. Given that context, I do find it offensive when non-black people use the term to describe blacks as it really is something that is mainly kept within the black community.