Why I Want a Wife
Wednesday, September 5 2007
Why I Want a Wife
Judy Brady
In August 1970, a woman named Judy Syfers stood before a crowd gathered in San Francisco and read an essay she wrote entitled "Why I Want a Wife." The crowd was gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote.
Judy was heckled by men in the audience, but the essay had an immediate impact within the strengthening feminist movement. It was published in the first issue of Ms. Magazine in 1971. Today, the essay is read by students around the world as a classic example of feminist humor and satirical prose.
Judy Syfers, now Judy Brady, talks with Dick Gordon about how writing the essay changed her life. She got involved with other political movements in the late 70's and 80's, but she credits the women's movement with opening her mind and giving her a foundation as an activist for social justice.
- Read "Why I Want a Wife"
Music heard in this story: My Way by Nina Simone for the album Essential Nina Simone, Vol.2
A brick from the past
Chris Thurin
Chris Thurin says his three years at West High School in Minneapolis were some of the best days of his life. When the school was torn down in the 1980's, he asked his sister to pick up something from the site. When she arrived there wasn't much left aside from a heap of bricks. So she sent him two - which Chris soon deposited in the trunk of his car. Years later, these bricks, nearly forgotten, would be at the heart of a humbling chance encounter with another West High School graduate.
Music heard in this story: Be True to Your School by The Beach Boys for the album Sounds of Summer - The Very Best of the Beach Boys
