re different from otherswhen the less fashionable envy them. This satisfies theirneed to be individuals. But then, there are those peoplewho envy the fashionable because the fashionable are a partof a certain group, the chic group. They are not lookingfor ways to express their individuality, but rather a way tobe like others, to be accepted by others.Culture also plays a large role in the human’s in-decision between individuality and social acceptance. Mostpeople feel they must honor their culture, a part of theirindividuality, by continuing to honor old traditions. Yetat the same time, they long to follow “local fashions” andcopy the styles of celebrities to be accepted by the popularculture by exhibiting their “modernity” (Fuglesang 112). Money is also an issue in some cultures. For example, theextent of money lavished on a “kupamba” determines “thebride’s social value” (Fuglesang 117). If money is usedsparingly for a “kupamba”, the bride and her family becomevictims of gossip and dishonor in the community, losingtheir social acceptance. Not only do fashion and moneycause conflict within oneself, it also causes conflictwithin the community. As Fuglesang exemplifies, there arereligious reformists who disagree with the modern maritalpractices. These religious leaders criticize the presenceof male musicians at all-female events, and they alsocriticize the wedding veil, arguing that “it is a symboltaken from the Christian wedding which has nothing to dowith Islam” (119).Fashion, envy, and culture affect individuality andconformity. They cause conflict within people because, likethe two horses, they pull humans in opposite directions. All three advocate segregation by creating an elite group,but simultaneously, they also advocate union by creating agroup. In order to overcome this inner struggle of self andsociety, one must find a medium, a stra...
