Three Famous American Uncles

Uncle Remus

A character in the children’s stories about Brer Rabbit, by US writer Joel Chandler Harris. In the books, Uncle Remus is the narrator (= the character who tells the stories).Song of the South is a film produced by Walt Disney, that was released on November 12, 1946, by RKO Radio Pictures. It is based on the Uncle Remus stories written by Joel Chandler Harris. Uncle Remus relates the folk tales of the adventures of Brer Rabbit and his friends.Song of the South has never been fully released on home video in the USA because of content which some people could see as racism towards black people and is thus subject to rumours.

Uncle Sam

The name given to the US or the US government:The UN continues to be dependent on the generosity of Uncle Sam.Movie stars from the land of Uncle SamUncle Sam first appeared in the 1800s especially on posters asking people to join the army. He is usually shown pointing his finger and and saying: “Uncle Sam need you!” His top hat and clothes are always decorated with the stars and stripes from the US flag. Political cartoons use his picture to represent the US, and newspapers often use the expression “Uncle Sam” to mean the US government.

Uncle Tom

The main character in the book Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1851-52) by Harriet Beecher-Stowe. Uncle Tom is a black slave who is badly treated by his owner, Simon Legree.
It is also a disapproving name, used especially by black people, for a black person who seems too respectful to white people or too eager to be accepted in white society.