When it comes to gossip, I have to readily admit men are as
The words of Marilyn Monroe, star of radiance yet often judged unfairly, shine with both honesty and irony: “When it comes to gossip, I have to readily admit men are as guilty as women.” In this saying, she breaks apart an ancient falsehood—that gossip belongs chiefly to women, whispered in corners, passed like secret fire. Monroe, with clarity, unmasks the truth: that the hunger for stories, scandal, and talk is not bound by gender, but flows through the hearts of men and women alike.
The ancients knew this truth well, though they often pretended otherwise. In the courts of Rome, senators whispered rumors to destroy rivals; generals spread tales to stir fear or pride among their soldiers. Gossip was a weapon of power, not merely idle chatter. Monroe’s words remind us that men, though cloaked in dignity, have long been as entangled in gossip as women—whether in taverns, in palaces, or in the chambers of politics.
Consider the tale of Mark Antony and Octavian, whose struggle for Rome was not only fought with armies but with rumors. Octavian spread whispers of Antony’s enslavement to Cleopatra’s charms, while Antony painted Octavian as weak and unmanly. These whispers, repeated and believed, turned the tide of Rome’s citizens and helped decide the fate of the empire. Here, as Monroe declares, men are guilty of gossip as deeply as women, for words can wound as surely as swords.
Her statement also reflects her own life. Marilyn Monroe was often the subject of endless rumor, her name tied to scandal whether true or false. She knew firsthand the sting of gossip’s poison and the equal eagerness of both men and women to spread it. By admitting men’s equal guilt, she strikes at the hypocrisy of her age, which mocked women for idle tongues while excusing men who did the same in drawing rooms and smoke-filled clubs.
Let the generations remember: gossip is a mirror of human weakness, not of one sex but of all mankind. It is born of envy, of fear, of hunger for power, or simply the restless need for story. Monroe’s words endure as both defense and wisdom—that men and women alike must guard their tongues, for though gossip may seem harmless, it has the power to ruin reputations, to topple leaders, and to wound the innocent. For gossip is no respecter of gender—it is the temptation of all.
HLHang Le
Marilyn Monroe is right; gossip isn’t exclusive to women. We often overlook how men also participate in gossiping, but perhaps we don’t recognize it as much due to cultural norms or the way it’s framed. Shouldn’t we be careful with how we view gossip, whether it’s from men or women? Maybe it’s time to look deeper at why we engage in gossip and how it affects our relationships, regardless of gender.
TLnguyen thien loi
Marilyn Monroe's statement seems to challenge the common assumption that women are more likely to gossip. Why is it that society often assigns certain behaviors, like gossiping, to one gender over another? Are men really that different in their motivations to gossip, or is it simply that the behavior is less noticed when they do it? This quote encourages us to rethink how we view gossip and its role in our lives.
HLHang Lu
I love how Marilyn Monroe calls out this double standard when it comes to gossip. It's almost as if society expects women to gossip, but when men do it, it's brushed off. But, isn't it strange that gossip, no matter who participates, is seen as a negative trait? Shouldn't we focus on why gossip exists in the first place and what it reveals about our social interactions, rather than simply blaming one gender?
XCNguyen Xuan Chienn
Marilyn Monroe's quote is an interesting take on gossip, challenging the stereotype that women are the main culprits. While gossip may be more associated with women in popular culture, men also engage in it frequently. Do we really think it's healthy for anyone to gossip, regardless of gender? Is it possible that gossip, in both men and women, is a way to bond or feel empowered? Something worth exploring.
QHQueen HTK
It's refreshing to hear Marilyn Monroe acknowledge that gossip isn't limited to just one gender. While society often associates gossip with women, this quote highlights how everyone, regardless of gender, indulges in it. Why do we tend to label gossip as something women do, while men are often given a pass? Maybe it's time to stop making assumptions about certain behaviors being inherently gendered.