Well, he's portrayed as a slave. I don't think even the abolitionists of the 1850s were quite ready for Django Unchained. Nor would it have helped the cause of abolition. But he's not submissive in the sense that he was rebranded to be. And certainly not a traitor.

And he's portrayed as forgiving because he's a Christian and Christian values like forgiveness were admired back then in a way they aren't today. Fighting is not the only way to rebel. As Tom demonstrates by literally giving his life to protect runaway slaves..