A popular Liberian parable says, “If your house doesn’t sell you, the street will not buy you,” highlighting that without support from your own community, outsiders are unlikely to help. This underscores the importance of unity and mutual support. When people with shared backgrounds fail to work together, they struggle to achieve lasting success—especially compared to groups that prioritize solidarity. For example, Ghana’s cocoa industry has thrived because farmers formed cooperatives to pool resources and negotiate better prices, allowing them to compete globally, while individuals acting alone fell behind due to limited bargaining power.
By Thomas Sarko, contributing writer
In contrast, Liberia has often lagged behind its neighbors, hampered by jealousy and lack of unity. Research by Osman Antwi-Boateng shows that development and job-creation efforts among Liberian diaspora communities in the US frequently stall, not just due to high costs, but also limited collaboration. Compared to other African immigrant groups, Liberian communities have not realized their full potential, with internal competition repeatedly hindering collective progress.
This dynamic often manifests as unnecessary contempt among Liberians. Rather than supporting those who succeed and encouraging prosperity for all, many fall into what I call ‘self-inflicted misery.’ Social Comparison Theory explains how people assess their worth by comparing themselves to others, and upward comparisons often spark envy. According to Muskan Gumber and Aditi Ashok Arur, the crab mentality—finding comfort in others’ setbacks—may offer temporary relief but ultimately breeds complacency.
In Liberia, this mindset is shaped by unique historical and societal challenges. Rather than being inspired by others’ accomplishments, some feel defeated, allowing resentment and even a desire to undermine those who succeed (Crab Barrel Syndrome: Looking Through the Lens of Type A and Type B Personality Theory and Social Comparison Process, 2022). Liberia’s prolonged civil conflict fractured society, created resource scarcity, and left most people without a safety net.
Competition for limited opportunities often breeds envy toward the few who succeed (The Impact of the Liberian Civil Wars (1989-2003) on Northern Liberia, n.d.), as illustrated in the “crab mentality” theory—where individuals hinder each other’s progress, like crabs pulling their peers back in a bucket. The term gained prominence in Filipino culture and literature, with Ninotchka Rosca commonly cited as a key popularizer, though earlier references appear in works like Walter Lionel George’s 1911 novel A Bed of Roses (Crab Mentality | Big Fork and Spoon, 2013).
Crab mentality closely aligns with Social Comparison Theory, introduced by American psychologist Leon Festinger in 1954. (Festinger, 1954, pp. 117-140)
At its core, crab mentality reflects an “if I can’t have it, neither can you” mindset—seen in workplaces, social groups, and other settings where envy blocks collective progress.
As a conscious Liberian committed to a more united and prosperous nation, I’ve been troubled by the ongoing immigration crackdown in the US and the reactions it has sparked. According to a report from the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in the United States, the government has expressed serious concern about people sharing lists of alleged deportees from unofficial sources.
This behavior points to a deeper issue: how envy and collective shame can undermine group solidarity. Reading social media posts from Liberia, I have noticed a troubling trend—some people openly wish for the US government to deport friends and relatives who do not send remittances. This expectation—that anyone who emigrates to a more prosperous country is automatically responsible for supporting those left behind—reveals a culture of entitlement.
A 2023 article on Liberian refugee experiences notes that while deep social ties are central to the community, emotional and practical challenges—such as the indignity of being asked to leave after decades in the US—can foster resentment and division. Addressing these issues requires reframing entitlement as part of a broader economic and social problem and focusing on solutions that empower individuals. Initiatives like rotating savings clubs or microloans can provide support systems, channeling financial expectations into collective growth and fostering unity.
Nevertheless, there have been inspiring examples of Liberian communities overcoming these challenges. In recent years, some have embraced cooperative farming, pooling resources and sharing profits, which has improved livelihoods and strengthened community bonds (FAO, 2020; USAID, 2017). Leaders like B. Abel Learwellie, founder of Camp for Peace Liberia, highlight how collaboration demonstrates resilience and a willingness to work together for positive change, offering hope for broader shifts toward unity and collective advancement (Camp for Peace Liberia, 2023).
To get started, we can organize community meetings focused on launching a savings club using platforms like Safe Circle Capital, founded by Liberian-American fintech entrepreneur Jacob Roland. These meetings would invite interested members to share ideas, collaborate on the club’s structure and rules, and foster participation. Involving community leaders in the process will further build trust and encourage sustained engagement.
Reflecting on our community, we often find that a single act of assistance can lead to expectations for continued support. Over time, these expectations may evolve into entitlement, and when demands become overwhelming, frustration and strained relationships can result. How can we, as a community, change this pattern and cultivate gratitude and mutual support? Let’s work toward balancing giving and receiving with appreciation and understanding to foster solidarity and collective growth.
