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Balkanization of the nation
One of the most striking things I've noticed about Balkanization is that it happens in cycles. There are many possible reasons for this, although I tend to lean towards cultural differences as a major contributing factor.
When one begins to analyze why Balkanization happens, one may be able to see that it is related to the ebb and flow of what is considered "cool" in a particular culture. As an example, people who are considered cool tend not to follow mainstream trends, but rather they go against them.
The reason for this may be that those who are considered cool have a certain self-confidence and sense of identity, which is not shaken by what others do. It would seem that people in general tend to be the most attracted towards individuals with an individual sense of self.
Individuals who are not cool, however, tend to be more influenced by what others do. This is because one of the keys to being considered cool is having a strong sense of self-confidence and identity.
A person with a weak sense of self-confidence and identity will tend to be influenced by what others think, because they have no strong sense of who they are. This is the reason why people tend to follow trends.
This is why it seems like Balkanization happens in cycles. When a culture becomes influenced by the opinions of others, people who are not cool will become more accepted in society.