The American Tax

Americans are greatly appreciated in Liberia. There is much respect afforded us. We are perhaps seen as well educated, perhaps rich (at least in relative terms), and representing an established well-being, that can not be threatened or taken away, by civil conflict or war. We in a sense represent comfort and stability. And this is what Liberian’s widely want.

On arriving to Monrovia, I knew that I would stick out. As a white man descendant from English, Irish, Scottish and French, I knew by my appearance I would perhaps seem out of place in Africa.

Walking down the streets its true, I am usually the one that is approached by people. Most do not come out directly and ask for money, but stealing a page from Steven Covey’s book 7-Habits of highly effective people, and focus on building a relationship. It usually begins with introductions and handshake, and then they ask if I wouldn’t mind if they walk with me. And of course I don’t. It is great to hear their stories.

There are also many people on the streets selling goods – scratch cards, trinkets, pots and pans, shoes, produce etc.; and providing services – shining shoes, changing money etc. And there are well-established business houses usually called So and So’s Business Center. When entering contract with the proprietors of these businesses and requesting a price for a good are service, they most often pause and look at me. Seemingly calculating how much they could ask for, with out me just walking away.

The other day we walked down to the waterside market. Travis bought some snails; I procured a large pot to make chili for some of our Liberian friends. I thought I got a good price. I paid L$850 which is roughly US$12. I would have paid much more in the states even shopping at Walmart – or so I told myself. We got home and the girl that cleans, Travis and Kenneth’s apartment asked how much I paid. I told her. And I found out I overpaid. She said the pot would have cost her L$500 (US$7.5).

Being new to the area, I am not quite sure what the appropriate prices are, and I am easily swayed into thinking that I am paying what is a fair price; finding out later it is not. I usually check with Liberian’s whom I have known for a while. They recognize that I do indeed pay more than they would. But they also seem to think this is acceptable, if not the way it is supposed to be. I am calling this premium that I am asked to pay for goods and services the white man tax, but do to some comments by some friends of mine, it might be more accurate to call it the American Tax.