Who Can Speak

A poem by artist and activist Grada Kilomba

When they speak, it is scientific; when we speak, it is unscientific;

When they speak it’s universal; when we speak it’s specific;

When they speak it’s objective; when we speak it’s subjective;

When they speak it’s neutral; when we speak it’s personal;

When they speak it’s rational; when we speak it’s emotional;

When they speak it’s impartial; when we speak it’s partial;

They have facts, we have opinions; They have knowledge, we have experiences.