If my uncle's name is Tom, is it rude to call him Uncle Tom?

It wouldn't be rude. If he's you're uncle it's perfectly normal to refer to him as, and call him, Uncle Tom. I've always called my uncles and aunts Uncle Male and Auntie Female. read more

For whatever it is worth: I am Caucasian. I do, however, have a number of nieces and nephews, all of whom call me ‘Uncle Tom.’ I have known several men, of other races, named Tom, who have no problem with that title, when used by their nieces and nephews. read more

Uncle Tom was a person in the classic novel"Uncle Tom's cabin". This book actually documented the hardships during slavery. Read the book, it's a true American classic. read more