"Uncle Tom" is a fictional character created by Harriet Beecher Stowe in her novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which was published in 1852. The novel is considered one of the most influential works of literature in shaping public opinion about slavery in the United States.

Uncle Tom is a kind and moral enslaved African American man who endures great suffering and hardship, but remains steadfast in his faith and his belief in the inherent goodness of humanity. The character of Uncle Tom has been both celebrated and criticized over the years. Some view him as a heroic figure who represents the resilience and dignity of enslaved people, while others see him as a stereotype of a submissive and passive Black man.

The term "Uncle Tom" has since become a pejorative label used to describe Black individuals who are perceived as subservient or traitorous to their own race. However, it is important to note that the character of Uncle Tom is more complex than the stereotype suggests, and his portrayal in "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was intended to evoke sympathy and empathy for enslaved individuals.