The Stereotypes Of Slavery Exposed In Uncle Tom's Cabin

Whipped, beaten, lashed. Only a fraction of the copious maltreatments slaves faced. Throughout their elementary years, students are taught about the physical harshness of slavery. For the greater portion, they learn how slaves were whipped and the conditions they were forced to work in. Not the other, various forms of abuse. The novel Uncle Tom 's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe exposes the other cruelties slaves were forced to endure. Readers of this unpredictable novel remain awed over the treatments of the slaves. Namely, the character of Uncle Tom: a dutiful, pious slave. Aspects of character that teenagers feel superior to are illustrated through the actions of Uncle Tom. Through his actions as a slave, students have the ability to gain

The characteristics of Uncle Tom have the ability to better students in their morality; however, the establishment of a racial stereotype occurs through his loyalty. Throughout the novel, the Uncle Tom is portrayed as a subservient black man who follows every command given to him. The connotation behind this term has changed from that of a respectful, loyal man to a white follower. Uncle Tom came about "by Rev. George Alexander McGuire, a supporter of the radical black nationalist" (Staff). As a black nationalist, he believed that the whites should be forgotten. The book should not be banned based on the stereotypes of a black nationalist on his own people. This term educates students on the new connotation of Uncle Tom and allows for the discussion of the modern mindset. McGuire preached "You must forget the white gods" (Gallaher). He strongly believed in not serving the whites, yet his preaching fails to acknowledge that Uncle Tom instills aspects of a loyal and faithful character. His character enhances the idea that subservience does not give him an advantage, which is presented when Uncle Tom is sent to his last master. Uncle Tom is forced to change his religious practices in terms of time devoted to God once his new master, Simon Legree, throws out his Bible. He continues to serve his Legree with the same respect and tenacity, leading to Legree 's questioning of himself. This situation provides students with a new perspective on how to deal with difficult situations. Uncle Tom 's Cabin teaches how subservience does not provide an advantage in all situations, yet one must make the best of a situation in which