Social Manners
Politeness, servility, egoism, disinterestedness, rudeness and violence

In Africa, all relations are based on power, on the strong/weak distinction. Outside the atmosphere of family and friends, politeness, friendliness is a sign of weakness and submission and, thought to be a prostration to power, triggers attempts to cheat, steal and rob.

In particular

Never be polite to a policeman or any other government official. Show you do not fear him. Or he will try to blackmail you.

Never be polite to hired workers. They will stop working and start trying to steal.

Never be polite on the market, in a taxi or where ever you buy from anyone or hire someone for a job. Youre price will rise astronomically.

They do not care in the least how big your disadvantage is of them cheating you for some small benefit.

The so called politeness of African social life hide a ruthless type of egoism and utter disinterest in your well being.