So true...?

Question

by Judy Syfers (1971)

(Editors Note: This classic piece of feminist humor appeared in the premier issue of Ms. Magazine and was widely circulated in the women's movement.)

I belong to that classification of people known as wives. I am A Wife. And, not altogether incidentally, I am a mother. Not too long ago a male friend of mine appeared on the scene fresh from a recent divorce. He had one child, who is, of course, with his ex-wife. He is looking for another wife. As I thought about him while I was ironing one evening, it suddenly occurred to me that I too, would like to have a wife. Why do I want a wife?
I would like to go back to school so that I can become economically independent, support myself, and if need be, support those dependent upon me. I want a wife who will work and send me to school.

And while I am going to school I want a wife to take care of my children. I want a wife a wife to keep track of the children's doctor and dentist appointments. And to keep track of mine, too. I want a wife to make sure my children eat properly and are kept clean. I want a wife who will wash the children's clothes and keep them mended. I want a wife who is a good nurturing attendant to my children, who arranges for their schooling, makes sure that they have an adequate social life with their peers, takes them to the park, the zoo, etc. I want a wife who takes care of the children when they are sick, a wife who arranges to be around when the children need special care, because, of course, I cannot miss classes at school. My wife must arrange to lose time at work and not lose the job. It may mean a small cut in my wife's income from time to time, but I guess I can tolerate that. Needless to say, my wife will arrange and pay for the care of the children while my wife is working.

I want a wife who will take care of my physical needs. I want a wife who will keep my house clean. A wife who will pick up after my children, a wife who will pick up after me. I want a wife who will keep my clothes clean, ironed, mended, replaced when need be, and who will see to it that my personal things are kept in their proper place so that I can find what I need the minute I need it. I want a wife who cooks the meals, a wife who is a good cook. I want a wife who will plan the menus, do the necessary grocery shopping, prepare the meals,serve them pleasantly, and then do the cleaning up while I do my studying. I want a wife who will care for me when I am sick and sympathize with my pain and loss of time from school. I want a wife to go along when our family takes a vacation so that someone can continue care for me and my when I need a rest and change of scene. I want a wife who will not bother me with rambling complaints about a wife's duties. But I want a wife who will listen t

If, by chance, I find another person more suitable as a wife than the wife I already have, I want the liberty to replace my present wife with another one. Naturally, I will expect a fresh, new life; my wife will take the children and be solely responsible for them so that I am left free. When I am through with school and have a job, I want my wife to quit working and remain at home so that my wife can more fully and completely take care of a wife's duties.

My God, who wouldn't want a wife?

I understand that this is not a question but I wanted to share it with everyone because it's so true.

Answer 1

You go sister!!!

Answer 2

I sure as hell don't,
Your article fails to mention, The need to police a wife's responsibilities, The fact that many wives get fat and lazy, The rampant spending of money they didn't earn, The nagging ,b!tching and complaining they do, and the fact that when they are finally replaced it is at *Great Cost* legal fees ,loss of your house , 1/2 of any and all of your assets and monthly alimony payments for years and years, possibly forever.

I can clean and cook myself ,or hire a house keeper if I choose.

Answer 3

I have been saying that I would like to have a wife for years.

Answer 4

sounds like a man is not really a man with so many wants and demands from his "wife" slave or nanny might be more appropriate to his delima

Answer 5

I want a best friend/companion/lover. Let the nanny screw with the kids (born by a surrogate). Let the maid clean and cook.

I want her for me and not all the chores that go with domesticated life.

So quit whining about the choices you made.

Answer 6

LMAO! Been a wife, and can't say I did all that! If you find one like that, let me know - I might just marry her myself! LOL....

Answer 7

WOW I MUST BE A BAD WIFE I CANT GET ALL THAT DONE IN ONE DAY LOL

Answer 8

Wow! That is profound! I want a wife also!!

Answer 9

And this was an article, huh? LOL

Answer 10

Same her girls ditto all the way...