Judy Brady: "I Want a Wife"
Presented By: Ngozi Ikeme & Tanya Arnold
Biography
Born in San Francisco, California, Brady is a freelance writer that explores topics such as unions, women's role in society, and abortion. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1980. Brady is a current activist on cancer and environmental issues and has edited several works on theses issues. She also helped found the Toxic Links Coalition.
Theme
- Gender: the expectations of a male or female
Vocabulary
"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." (Page 505, Last paragraph)
- Monogamy- marriage with only one person at a time
Works Cited
Famous Works
- "Judy Brady." Judy Brady. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.
- Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell. I Want a Wife. Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide. Boston: Bedford/St.Martins, 2012. 503-506. Print
- "Monogamy." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.
- "I Want a Wife" (1972)
- "Women and Cancer (1990)"
- "One in Three: Women with Cancer Confront an Epidemic (1991)"
Discussion Questions
In "I Want a Wife", Brady explains the "traditional" roles of a woman. She lets the audience know why she wants a wife. For example, Brady says, "I want a wife who will take care of my physical needs" (pg.504, paragraph 2)
A Deeper Look
- How do you feel about the "traditional" and "non-traditional" roles of a woman?
- How do these roles serve as beneficial to a woman?
- Do you feel that roles have reversed in modern times?
Who Wouldn't Want A Wife?
The following clips depicts the stereotypes of gender, and a look into the life of a wife, in connection to Brady's "I Want a Wife"
- Exemplifies how the woman's work is taken for granted
On a sheet of paper, take three minutes to write a brief statement for why you would want a wife.