Can the Subaltern Speak?

"Can the Subaltern Speak?" is an influential essay by scholar Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak. It explores whether marginalized groups (the 'subaltern') can express their experiences and perspectives within dominant societal narratives. Spivak argues that these voices are often silenced by power structures, such as colonialism and patriarchy. The essay encourages us to critically examine who is allowed to speak and whose voices are heard, highlighting the complexities involved in representation and activism. Ultimately, it raises questions about empowerment, agency, and the challenges subaltern groups face in articulating their realities within a world that often overlooks them.