Paying the ‘Black Tax’
Not too long ago my wife and I saw a program on BET where there was a brief discussion on the topic of ‘The Black Tax’. One of the featured guests, Dr. Anthony Griffin (of Extreme Makeover fame) mentioned that there have been many occasions where he has been approached by other Black folks requesting him for a “hook up”. Now, I’m sorry the last place I would want a hook up is with somebody who is gonna put me out for a few hours while portions of my body is being hacked off. But that’s just me.
Anyway, after getting over the initial shock that the ‘Black tax’ phenomena stretched as far as Beverly Hills, I was reminded about a time early in my entrepreneurial career when my wife and I purchased our first business. It was a small restaurant just outside Atlanta. The church that we belonged to at the time was in need of extra space from time to time for things like meetings and small events for the kids. Being the generous folks that we are we gladly allowed them to use the facility on off hours without charging them (mind you, this group of negroes was made up of the same folks who on certain occasions would pull either me or my wife to the side and tell us to let them know anytime we needed help). Now please don’t let me mislead you, several of these folks were there for us when we needed them, but as for the majority of the lot? Well….
Anyway, throughout this ‘relationship’ we noticed that all the sentimental pledges of help were about as useful as a leather jacket in Waycross, GA in the middle of August. I still remember seeing my wife (who was at the time about 5 month pregnant) crawl out of our 1990-something Honda Prelude through the passenger door (driver side door was broken) with supplies because we could not get anybody else to do it. Then came the kicker that really tested my faith in the Lord to keep me from swearing like a mug. One of the pastors approached me to ask if I would be willing to give him a spare key for the restaurant!! The short answer I gave him was “no”. 
It was at that moment I realized that what was meant as simple generosity had turned into a Black tax.
So how do I define the ‘Black tax’?
Updated (2)***
Expected benevolence according to one’s own race at the expense of giver’s own success to individuals only concerned with their own short term needs.
So by defining it this way I think it can also cover this same phenomena as it happens in other ethnic groups.
If that definition needs tweaking, you are more than welcomed to do so.
There is a certain type of personality, black has nothing to do with it, who pushes on kindness and generosity until the giver realizes they’re just being gamed.
These are the same people who borrow your tools and never return them, or bring them back broken. The same people who circle like vultures after a family member dies offering stories about how so and so always promised me the whatever, hoping to scam free furniture.
Comment by Purple Avenger | June 16, 2007
black has nothing to do with it,
No doubt. I was only referring to this as a ‘black tax’ simply as it relates to our culture. Yeah, I have seen this same thing happen in other cultures as well.
Comment by Duane | June 16, 2007
I like the name for being scammed as the “Black Tax”, and indeed it does occur in other cultures ethnic groups as well.
BTW, posted a comment at Leonard Pitts column about the “…phony white victimshood” article. Thanks for your site and obvious ability to read intelligently.
Comment by cassandra | June 19, 2007
In my experience the phrase “black tax” referred to being required to work twice as hard [as whites], usually in the corporation, but I suppose it could apply across the board, to get the same or more probably less recognition, as your white counterpart. Is anyone else privy to that reference?
Comment by Jay | March 20, 2008