American soldiers have pointed out a unique perspective about the Taliban’s resilience: “They don’t fear us because they don’t watch our films.” Hollywood often portrays U.S. military strength in a larger-than-life manner, but these images have no bearing on the Taliban. Their lack of exposure to American pop culture may have insulated them from the psychological impact that such depictions can have, allowing them to face their adversaries without the awe or fear that Western films might inspire elsewhere. This reveals a deeper cultural divide where fear is not fueled by media, but by real-world experiences and beliefs.