Interpretation of H. Beecher-Stowe’s ideas in the novel “Uncle Tom’s cabin” in the context of G.M. Fredrikson’s concept of “romantic racism”

Abstract

The relevance of the topic is determined by acute interracial contradictions in the internal politics of the United States. In the context of the current phase of racial conflict, the issue of justice and mutual respect remains central. In this regard, it is most interesting to consider this problem not from the traditional perspective of “Southern racists”, but also from that of the abolitionists, primarily representatives of the Northern states, who are traditionally perceived as advocates of freedom and equality. The aim of this study is to study the monograph “The Black Image in the White Mind” by American historian George M. Fredrickson, which has not been thoroughly examined by domestic researchers before. The study explores the concept of “romantic racism”, introduced by George M. Fredrickson for the analysis and critique of abolitionist views in the United States on the eve of the Civil War. The article identifies the reasons for the spread of the image of the Black slave as a born Christian in American society and interprets the ideas of Harriet Beecher Stowe in the novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin, or Life Among the Lowly” according to the stated concept.

About the authors

Elena G. Zueva

RUDN University

Email: zueva-eg@rudn.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8834-3398
SPIN-code: 1303-9550

PhD (In History), Associate Professor of the Department of World history

6 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation

Illaria-Regina K. Lukhneva

RUDN University

Author for correspondence.
Email: illariya.lukhneva@bk.ru
Master student of the of the Department of World History 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation

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Copyright (c) 2024 Zueva E.G., Lukhneva I.K.

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