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Africans achieving success overseas often confront an unspoken financial obligation known as the ‘black tax.’ This article delves into the personal accounts of Mikel Obi, international students, and strategies to mitigate the complexities of black tax
“Black Tax” is a term used to describe the financial obligations that many Africans abroad and people of color carry, often involving providing financial assistance to extended family members and community back home.
For instance, consider Sarah, an accomplished IT consultant living in Canada. After covering her monthly bills and saving for retirement, she sends approximately half of her disposable income to her mother in Kenya to cover medical care and tuition fees for her two younger sisters.
Although grateful for her achievements, Sarah feels overwhelmed by the constant pressure to maintain this financial support while striving to achieve her long-term goals.
Her story exemplifies the hidden burden shouldered by countless Africans living abroad, straining their finances and jeopardizing their ability to accumulate wealth.
Mikel Obi’s Experience
Mikel Obi, the renowned Nigerian footballer, and former English Premier League star, has candidly shared his experiences with the cultural and familial expectations of financial support, often referred to as the “black tax.”
Obi has expressed that despite his significant accomplishments on the field, the pressure to provide for an extended network of family members has been a persistent challenge.
In a revealing interview with Rio Ferdinand, Obi discussed the prevalent issue of entitlement among extended family members in Africa. He noted that once an individual achieves financial success, it’s common for relatives to reduce their efforts and rely on the successful family member for support.
This expectation can extend to distant relatives and even in-laws, who may marry into the family with the assumption that their financial needs will be taken care of.
The Dilemma of International Students
In many African households, there’s a deeply rooted expectation for children to become the financial support for their parents in their later years. This leads parents to invest significantly in their children’s education, hoping that it will pay dividends for the entire family in the future.
However, this investment often comes at the cost of the children’s dreams, as they may feel compelled to put family responsibilities before their ambitions.
For African students studying overseas, this dynamic presents a unique set of challenges. They must balance their academic responsibilities with the heavy expectations placed upon them by their families back home.
The pressure is compounded by the watchful eyes of their local communities and the wider diaspora, making every academic step seem critical.
When these students struggle academically, it’s not just seen as a personal setback, but as a letdown to the family members who are counting on their success. This perception adds an extra layer of emotional stress to the already demanding experience of living and studying in a foreign country.
Strategies for Mitigation
Several strategies can be implemented to lessen the impact of black tax:
Financial Literacy
Educating individuals on financial management can lead to more effective resource allocation and decreased familial reliance.
Promoting discussions about budgeting, saving, and investing can lead to more sustainable relationships between successful Africans and their families.
Community-Based Solutions
Encouraging community-driven support methods can distribute the responsibility of aid more evenly, preventing the overburdening of individuals.
Crowdfunding, cooperative initiatives, and collective remittance strategies are practical options that can alleviate financial stress.
Support Networks
Enhancing community support systems offers a safety net for those in need.
Organizations that address the specific needs of African migrants, such as mental health, employment, and legal assistance, can provide critical resources and build a sense of community among expatriates.
Final Thoughts on Black Tax
I think the idea of black tax is really about the importance of family and helping each other, which is a big part of our culture. But it can make things hard for those of us living abroad and trying to get ahead.
To deal with this, we need to take action: teach people important skills, create places where they can succeed, and think again about what we expect from family support.
Africans abroad need to find a good middle ground between doing well for themselves and looking after their families. This is key for them to fit into the wider world and do well.
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