By Jessica Harvey
November 3, 2014
In my college writing class, we were asked to read and comment on Judy Brady's "I Want a Wife." This article was written and released to the public in early 1970s at the height of the feminist movement. My response was this:
Although I agree that men and women are equal, it’s my opinion that Judy Brady went a little over the top in her article, “I Want a Wife.” Approaching a political movement usually presents itself with two extreme sides: those who don’t care enough and those who care too much. Radical feminist tend to blur the lines between genders. Fact is, men and women are genetically different. Unfortunately, Brady stereotypes men as lazy and selfish. However, the byproduct of extreme feminism essentially encourages men to become lazy!
Additionally, women often become the initiators in their relationships with the opposite sex. Men are no longer expected to be the first call/ask a woman out, pay for the bill, make executive decisions, and lead with integrity and honor. In actuality, men need respect just as much as women need love. Lack thereof, results in a generation of young men who don’t understand their place anymore. Thus, they turn to other sources to satisfy their needs. Nowadays, in order to feel that lost sense of dominion and power, several men turn to video games. Why? Because it’s politically incorrect for men and women to have generic roles.
Honestly, I’m surprised that no one considered Brady’s article appalling. The role of a wife is to submit to her husband and care for her family. It was disheartening to read her negativity towards caring for children. Everything she added to her “housewife” list was just another nuisance in her life of self-pity. If I was her child reading “I Want a Wife”, I would assume: a) she is resentful, b) she hates her life, and c) she wants nothing to do with me. Dear women, it is a privilege to care for a child.
Being a wife is a blessing, not a curse. In the book of Proverbs, a wife of noble character is described as a woman who works with eager hands, is clothed with strength and dignity, speaks with wisdom, watches over the affairs of her household, and keeps away from idleness. These are standards worth striving towards. As long as radical feminism continues to triumph, humility will lessen and arrogance will prevail. I'm not saying that feminism, racism, socialism, pacifism, or any other "fill-in-the-blank-ism" is necessarily wrong, but if they get out of hand, they will poison society rather than fix it.
What are your thoughts on the Feminist movement? Has it gone too far or does it have further to go? Do you agree or disagree with Brady's article? Why or why not?