A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Marginal Voice
Those you are least likely to hear from due to societal inequities and dynamics of power. The voices of white, heterosexual, cisgendered, men dominate both public discourse and private conversation. The further one is positioned with respect to these identities, the less one's voice tends to be heard and regarded as valuable. An essential task in undoing systems of domination and oppression is that of amplifying the voices of marginalized people. In part, this involves creating spaces where these voices are embraced and brought to center, but also involves the process of learning to withhold one’s own voice and to not speak over and above those with less power.
Yes, speak your truth. But if your truth isn't seasoned with the pain and hope of those who experience injustice in their flesh and blood, it should spoken softly. Listen to the marginalized. Listen to the disenfranchised. Listen to the powerless. Listen to the weak. Listen to the discontent. Listen to the enraged. Listen to the outcasts. And use your platforms to draw attention to their wisdom rather than puffing up your own.
Yes, speak your truth. But if your truth isn't seasoned with the pain and hope of those who experience injustice in their flesh and blood, it should spoken softly. Listen to the marginalized. Listen to the disenfranchised. Listen to the powerless. Listen to the weak. Listen to the discontent. Listen to the enraged. Listen to the outcasts. And use your platforms to draw attention to their wisdom rather than puffing up your own.