“The subaltern cannot speak.”
What this quote means
Gayatri Spivak's phrase is a cry against the erasure of marginalized voices. 'Subaltern' refers to those excluded from power structures, and Spivak points out that even when they try to speak, their words are not heard or are distorted by dominant channels. It resonates because it denounces a deep injustice and pushes us to reflect on who we actually listen to and why.
How to apply it daily
In a conversation, make a conscious effort to listen to those who rarely speak, without interrupting or interpreting their words in your own way.
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