Black tax is a term that originated in South Africa for money that a Black (or other person of color) professional provides to their family every month outside of their own living expenses, usually out of obligation. - Wikipedia
Right from when I was little, my mother always prayed that I'd do well when I grew up and she'd tell me to remember to take care of her and my father. That has stuck with me and I took it as my duty to care for my parents financially when I'm older.
I never saw this as a burden because it is the right thing to do. Who else is going to do it? I love them so why not? She didn't need to tell me that because naturally, everyone should have that feeling of caring for their parents (I presume).
In Nigeria, many parents rely on their children as their retirement plan and it is completely normal here. No matter how western we try to be, that's not something you take away. It's something you'd understand more if you're black and if you were born into this ever-declining economy of ours.
My parents take care of themselves like they always have as they worked all their lives. Since retirement, and the government refusing to pay them their due gratuities and pension in full, they've had to tighten their belts and do with the little that they're paid.
When I lived with them, I'd support with buying a few things around the house, but my mum will always tell me I didn't have to. She made it awkward too whenever I gave her money and I understand why. She didn't think I was making enough money to be taking from the little I had.
She'd pray I get something better so I could do more without putting a strain on myself. I have been the typical retirement plan even if they were expecting their pension after service. She'd say if she adds what both her kids give her to the monthly pension, it means she's set for the rest of her life. Lol.
I am fortunate to not pay full black tax like some of my peers do. My parents can take care of themselves fully but some assistance would be really nice.
I send my mum a part of my income that I can afford to but it isn't as consistent as I'd love it to be. It's weird too because I've never sent my dad money except getting him gifts. I'm not sure how my dad feels about taking my money because he's a hard guy but I'd find out.
In recent times, I've been feeling pressured about paying my black tax. It is pressure I put on myself and I don't know how to go about it.
The pressure I feel is mostly because my parents are getting old and I worry about them not being here when I finally make a very reasonable income. So why not consistently pay my black tax from the little I have now?
I made a lot of lofty promises to my parents as a kid that I honestly meant but I'm too broke to do all that now that I'm older. I haven't gotten to my prime years yet so I guess I still have time, but do they?
They're not entitled people and I know how much they appreciate my little support so I want to make it regular and not miss any month henceforth.
As I said, I am fortunate to not experience the crazy side of black tax (having the full weight of family on me) but I noticed my mum looks forward to my little tax and I feel so bad that I forget to do it sometimes.
Do you pay black tax? What are your thoughts about it?
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