I think that feminists have definitely underestimated the role
I think that feminists have definitely underestimated the role that women have had historically. I think I would be insecure if I were to be a man; there's so much pressure on you.
Hear, O children of reflection, the provocative words of Vivienne Westwood: “I think that feminists have definitely underestimated the role that women have had historically. I think I would be insecure if I were to be a man; there’s so much pressure on you.” In this saying, she lifts a mirror to history, showing that women, though often written out of chronicles, have in truth carried enormous weight, and that men, though praised for power, have long suffered under the crushing expectations of their roles. Hers is not a cry of division, but of recognition—that both sexes bear burdens too often unseen.
For Westwood declares that feminists, in their just quest for equality, must not forget the invisible work that women have always performed—raising children, preserving households, weaving communities together in times of war and peace. This hidden power has sustained nations, though history books seldom give it a name. By underestimating such roles, one risks believing that women were powerless, when in fact their influence, though subtle, was immense.
At the same time, she speaks with compassion for men, confessing that she would feel insecure under their mantle. For men, too, have been bound by chains: the demand to conquer, to succeed, to provide, to never falter. The pressure of status and strength has often broken them, even as the world exalted their victories. In her words we hear the recognition that liberation must be shared—both men and women need freedom from the narrow scripts of history.
History confirms this paradox. Consider the Spartan women, who though denied political office, held vast authority in the home and economy, shaping the spirit of warriors and ensuring the strength of their state. Likewise, during the World Wars, when men marched to the front, women held factories, farms, and families together. They were not silent shadows; they were pillars. Meanwhile, the men at the front bore unimaginable pressure—the expectation of heroism, the shame of failure, the constant demand to die bravely.
Therefore, O seekers of wisdom, let this be your teaching: the struggles of men and women are different, yet each is heavy. To honor the historical role of women is to see their quiet strength; to recognize the burden of men is to see that patriarchy has wounded them too. Westwood’s words call us to a deeper understanding: true equality comes not by denying one side, but by seeing clearly the unseen pressures borne by both. Only then can humanity walk forward in balance, neither sex diminished, neither exalted at the other’s cost.
DKNguyen Dang Khanh
Vivienne Westwood’s remark about the historical role of women and the pressures men face is thought-provoking. It makes me wonder: Is there a way to reconcile both the struggles of women and men within the context of societal expectations? While feminism often focuses on the struggles of women, Westwood’s acknowledgment of men’s pressures adds nuance to the conversation. Should we be exploring gender equality through a lens that considers the complexities of both genders’ experiences?
DHMai dieu hang
Westwood’s thoughts about the role of women historically seem to challenge how feminism often frames the narrative. I agree that women have played significant roles, but how much of that history has been overshadowed or erased? As for her comment about feeling insecure as a man, it’s an interesting perspective. Do we really give enough attention to how societal expectations shape both genders, and can we ever break free from those pressures?
HDNguyen Huu Duc
I appreciate how Vivienne Westwood challenges the common narratives in feminist discourse with her point about women’s historical contributions. But at the same time, how do we reconcile this with the fact that, for much of history, women have often been denied recognition? Is her perspective about the role of women in history a critique of mainstream feminism, or does it open the door to a more inclusive understanding of gender roles over time?
HPMinh Chau Ho Pham
Westwood’s statement is provocative, especially her take on how men might feel insecure due to the pressures they face. It makes me think about how societal expectations affect both men and women. Could it be that, in striving for gender equality, we also need to address the pressures placed on men? If both genders are struggling under societal expectations, is the solution more about reshaping those pressures for everyone?
NYNguyen Thi Nhu Y
Vivienne Westwood's quote brings up an interesting point about the role of women throughout history and how it’s sometimes underestimated. But I’m curious—how can we measure the full scope of women’s historical influence? Has feminism, in trying to address gender inequality, overlooked the many ways women have always contributed, just in different forms? Also, her comment on the pressures men face is worth exploring; do these pressures hinder men from fully supporting gender equality?