Malcolm X on the House Negro and Field Negro Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. 23 January 1963. In discussing the African American experience, we can identify two distinct types of Negroes: the old type and the new type. The old type, often referred to in history as "Uncle Tom," is represented by the house Negro. During slavery, there were two primary roles for Negroes: the house Negro and the field Negro. The house Negro typically lived in close proximity to his master. He dressed similarly to his master, often wearing second-hand clothes that his master no longer wanted. He consumed the leftovers from the master's table and resided in the master's house—likely in the basement or attic—but he still remained under the master's roof. This house Negro identified himself closely with his master. When his master claimed, "We have good food," the house Negro would echo, "Yes, we have plenty of good food." The use of "we" was essential to his identity. If his master fell ill, the house Negro would express concern, asking, "What's the matter, boss? Are we sick?" His master's pain was his own; he felt it more acutely than his own suffering. In times of crisis, such as a fire threatening the master's home, he would fight harder to extinguish the flames than even the master would. In contrast, the field Negro represented the majority—the masses who toiled outside. When the master fell ill, they often hoped for his demise. If a fire broke out in the master's house, they might pray for a strong wind to spread the flames. If someone approached a house Negro with the idea of separation, he would likely respond with confusion and fear: "Go where? What would I do without my master? Where would I live? How would I dress? Who would take care of me?" This exemplifies the mindset of the house Negro. However, if you spoke to a field Negro about separation, he wouldn't hesitate or ask questions; he would simply say, "Yes, let's go." There was no need for further discussion. Today, we see a modern version of the house Negro—what I call the twentieth-century Uncle Tom. This contemporary figure may wear a top hat and dress sharply, appearing sophisticated. He speaks in a way that mirrors those around him and often tries to articulate himself even better. When discussing national matters, he refers to "our army," "our president," "our government," and so on—despite having no real stake in these entities. He identifies with "we" even when he has no seat at that table. On the other hand, there exists another type of Black man today who maintains a clear distinction. When you mention trouble, he acknowledges it by saying, "Yes, you're in trouble," without claiming it as his own plight.