Auctions Quote by Chrystos
“They have our bundles split open in museums / our dresses & shirts at auctions / our languages on tape / our stories in locked rare book libraries / our dances on film / The only part of us they can't steal / is what we know.”
About This Quote
Source Song: “The Only Part of Us They Can’t Steal” by Chrystos, 2015
Cultural appropriation strips material artifacts, but knowledge and identity remain untouchable.
In simple terms: External things can be taken; inner knowledge stays safe.
Key Takeaway
Protect and share your cultural knowledge.
Themes
culture
identity
resistance
colonialism
heritage
Mood
defiant
reflective
proud
Type
critical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- academic research
- community storytelling
- archival work
- educational programming
Key Concepts
cultural appropriation
knowledge sovereignty
memory preservation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can communities safeguard intangible heritage?
- What responsibilities do institutions have to honor source cultures?
A Different Perspective
Even knowledge can be commodified or misrepresented, limiting true empowerment.
![“If you didn't auction the [CO2] permits, it would represent the largest corporate welfare program that has ever been enacted in the history of the United States. All of the evidence is that what would occur is that corporate profits would increase by approximately the value of the permits.” quote by Peter R. Orszag](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/45c/peter-r-orszag-82656_auctions_if-you-didn-t-auction-the-co2-permits-it_476302.jpg)
