The term "Uncle Tom" refers to a stereotype of a Black person who is overly submissive or deferential to white people. It originates from the character Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, published in 1852. In the story, Uncle Tom is portrayed as a loyal and self-sacrificing slave, which has led to the term being used pejoratively to describe individuals who are seen as betraying their own race for the approval of whites. Over time, the stereotype has evolved and is often used to criticize Black individuals who are perceived as compromising their dignity or identity in order to gain favor with white society. This stereotype can be harmful, as it reduces complex individuals to a simplistic and negative caricature, ignoring the diverse experiences and perspectives within the Black community.