CAN THE SUBALTERN SPEAK?

SUBALTERN

• It refers to those who don’t give orders;

they only receive orders.
• In Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak's essay "Can the
Subaltern Speak?" she addresses several key points
related to the representation and voice of
marginalized groups, particularly in the context of
postcolonial and subaltern studies. Here's a
summary and an elaboration of the most important
points:
 THE CONCEALED SUBJECT OF THE
WEST:

• Spivak argues that some radical criticism from the

West aims to maintain the dominance of Western
thought and the Western subject. Even when it
seems like these critiques challenge the
sovereignty of the Western subject, they often
function as a cover for its continuation.
 THE CONCEALED SUBJECT OF THE
WEST:

• Elaboration: Spivak criticizes Western intellectual

traditions for perpetuating a Eurocentric
worldview and Western subjectivity even when
critiquing it. She highlights the need to challenge
these traditions.
 THE EXPLOITERS AND THE
INTERNATIONAL DIVISION OF LABOR:

• Elaboration: Spivak explores the challenges of

representing the subaltern, emphasizing that
traditional intellectual frameworks often fail to
engage with the experiences and subjectivity of
those at the margins of society.
 SUBALTERN STUDIES:

• Spivak references the "Subaltern Studies" group,

who are concerned with rewriting Indian colonial
history from the perspective of peasant
insurgencies during the colonial occupation. They
question whether the subaltern can speak and how
to represent their experiences.
 SUBALTERN STUDIES:

• Elaboration: Spivak highlights the limitations of

elite-driven historiography and the need to
acknowledge the voices and histories of subaltern
groups.
 THE QUESTION OF REPRESENTATION:

• Spivak grapples with the challenge of representing

the subaltern, emphasizing that their identity is
often defined by difference from the elite. She also
questions how intellectuals can effectively engage
with the consciousness of subaltern groups.
 THE QUESTION OF REPRESENTATION:

• Elaboration: Spivak recognizes the complexity of

representing the subaltern and emphasizes the need
to avoid essentialism. She suggests that
intellectuals should focus on understanding the
unique experiences and consciousness of
marginalized groups.
 GENDER AND THE SUBALTERN:

• Spivak notes that gender, particularly in the

context of colonial production, plays a significant
role in further marginalizing the subaltern,
especially subaltern women. The ideological
construction of gender maintains male dominance
and silences the female subaltern.
 GENDER AND THE SUBALTERN:

• Elaboration: Spivak underscores the intersection

of gender and colonialism, showing how women in
subaltern groups face even greater challenges in
having their voices heard. She highlights the
importance of addressing gender issues within the
broader context of subaltern studies.
• In summary, Spivak's essay explores the challenges and
complexities of representing and giving voice to the
subaltern, particularly in postcolonial contexts. She
emphasizes the need to deconstruct existing power
structures and intellectual traditions to truly engage with the
experiences and subjectivity of marginalized groups.
1.How does the film "Columbite Tantalite" highlight the legacy of colonialism in Africa,
particularly in the context of resource extraction and exploitation?
2.Discuss the role of globalization in the short film, with a focus on how it has impacted
the economies and societies of the regions depicted. How does this relate to
postcolonial theory?
3.Analyze the portrayal of local communities and their struggles in "Columbite
Tantalite." How does the film illustrate the power dynamics between postcolonial
nations and multinational corporations in resource-rich areas?
4.Explore the concept of neocolonialism as depicted in the film. How do the actions of
external actors, such as governments and corporations, perpetuate or challenge
postcolonial power structures?
5.The short film touches on the theme of environmental degradation. How do
environmental issues intersect with the postcolonial narrative in the film, and what
implications does this have for local communities and their agency?