The reason why I am proud of my part in the punk movement is that I think it really did implant a message that was already there. The hippies told it to me, but punk made it something cool for people to stand up for, which is that we do not believe government, that we are against government.

The quote by Vivienne Westwood reflects her pride in her involvement with the punk movement and its impact on society. She believes that punk music and culture helped to amplify and make rebellion and anti-government sentiments more mainstream and "cool." While the message of defiance against authority was already present in the ideals of the hippie movement, Westwood acknowledges that punk gave it a more edgy and countercultural identity that resonated with younger generations.

Westwood also makes an important distinction between the two movements: the hippies expressed a similar disdain for the establishment but did so in a way that was more idealistic and peaceful, while the punk movement was raw, confrontational, and active in its opposition. Punk, in her view, turned this message into something that was stylish and rebellious, making it easier for people, especially the youth, to openly stand up for their beliefs in opposition to the government and social norms.

The origin of the quote lies in Westwood's involvement in the punk fashion scene in the 1970s, particularly her partnership with Malcolm McLaren in designing the fashion for the iconic London shop Sex, which played a pivotal role in shaping punk’s image. Westwood’s designs were not just about clothes but about creating a visual statement that challenged authority, tradition, and mainstream values, aligning perfectly with the anti-establishment ethos of punk.

Ultimately, Westwood’s quote emphasizes the cultural significance of the punk movement in transforming rebellious ideas into a mainstream statement of identity. Punk made it "cool" to challenge the establishment, and in doing so, it provided a powerful platform for young people to express their discontent with authority and to empower themselves through self-expression.