Thesis Book - Seeds of Hope

2.4 Cultural Imprints After First Taliban Rule
After the first Taliban rule in 1994, the
U.S engagement in the urban Afghan society has also
affected and seeped into the culture, language, and
attitudes in many ways. This can be seen through the
graffiti arts that are covered in many neighborhoods
that express freedom of speech and showcase the unity
and conflicts occurring in the country. The American
military and aid have altered the languages spoken
by most afghans such as Dari (Farsi), and Pashto.
Many English words were embedded into Afghan languages
at that time. The country also had its version of
“American Idol” and “The Voice” and inspired rappers,
as well as singers, were using their lyrics to express
their thoughts on high unemployment, child labor,
violence against women, and many other issues in the
country. What was once forbidden in the eyes of the
Taliban has been under a cloud of history during the
20 years of development. The Afghans had a voice to
protest about the inequalities in Afghanistan. “I have
personal freedom. I can wear what I want,” Samira
Ahmad, a worker at a consulting firm said. “Now we
can have mixed parties with boys and girls. This was
all unimaginable under the Taliban.” People consider
this period as a golden era for the freedom of speech
and media after the Taliban rule. While some of the
changes and influences are seen as westernizing the
country and diluting the country’s old - ethos by
the Afghan Citizens. The country’s citizens have that
sense of freedom of speech, bold attitudes, and collective
outspokenness post-Taliban rule (Raghavan).
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