How is the Subaltern Theory as stated by Antonio Gramsci related to colonial society?

Question

Please help

Answer 1

The word subaltern was originally used in India (by the British) to signify a social inferior., usualy an Indian in relationship to a superior Britisher. Now it's used more broadly, especially in college courses, etc. So it's pretty obvious where the colonial part of it comes from. Basically, it's a theory that states some cultures automatically presume others are less 'developed' because they appear culturally inferior. The best example I know of this theory, though, is an essay by george orwell, "Shooting an Elephant" It's a true story (about 8 pages) and will explain all you need to know in concrete terms.