Why is "showing off" so important in Senegal?
Hi everyone
I’ve been reflecting on something lately and I’d love to get your perspective on the social pressure in Senegal, specifically regarding status symbols.
It feels like in our society, looking wealthy is often more important than actually being financially stable. I’ve noticed two main things:
The big sheep phenomenon: During Tabaski, people are willing to spend 700,000 FCFA or even over a million on a sheep (like the Ladoum) just for prestige. Some people even go into debt or spend money they don't have, just so the neighbors can see a massive sheep in front of their house. It’s not even about the religious act anymore; it’s about the "trophy."
Luxury cars vs. Reality, l
I saw someone mentioned it there in this subreddit, ,ND I agree, I see a lot of people prioritizing a flashy, big, luxury and expensive car to maintain an image, even when their basic needs or long-term investments aren't fully covered.
My question is: Why are we like this? Is it the weight of family expectations? Is it the fear of what people will say
How did a sheep or a car become the ultimate measure of a person value in our country?