Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Ben Atherton-Zeman - Feminist, Actor and Husband" <>]

Okay, this one falls clearly in the oxymoron department:

I've been talking to a woman named Danielle Gervais (pronounced "jer-vay").  
She's a casting producer for the show, "Wife Swap," and they are looking for 
a feminist woman to feature on the show!  

Specifically, Ms. Gervais is looking for a male-female couple that has kids 
between 7 and 17 to be on the show - presumably, you would "swap" with a 
family that has much more traditional gender roles and you would teach them 
some things about equality, fairness, etc.  They are looking for a feminist 
woman, and a male partner who is in agreement with feminist principles if not 
a feminist himself.

Obviously, the name "Wife Swap" is very sexist, even though the wives are not 
"swapped" in the original meaning of the term.  And, like many network TV 
shows, this show has the potential to further sexism, racism, homophobia, 
etc.  

But... it also has the potential to communicate feminist and anti-violence, 
anti-oppression concepts to a huge audience, which is why I'm forwarding Ms. 
Gervais' email.  If "one of us" goes on the show, that person will reflect 
true feminist principles and will have a chance to influence our country 
about feminism, anti-violence, and the principles we stand for.  The family 
also will get $20k as payment for being on the show - as the referring 
person, I will get $1000 which I was going to donate to NCADV, RAINN and a 
couple other groups.  (If you, in turn, refer this email to someone else who 
gets accepted, you get the $1000 and can keep it if you want.)

Ms. Gervais needs to talk with someone who meets the above criteria today or 
tomorrow (Monday or Tuesday).  Please contact her at the number below.  
Obviously, if this is not your "cup of tea" please ignore this email.  I've 
attached some of her email below:
In case you are unfamiliar with the show, the premise of Wife Swap is to take 
two different families and have the moms switch places to experience how 
another family lives. Half of the week, mom lives the life of the family she 
is staying with. Then she introduces a "rule change" where she implements 
rules and activities that her family has. It's a positive experience for 
people to not only learn but teach about other families and other ways of 
life. Wife Swap airs on Disney owned ABC television on Mondays at 8 pm- the 
family hour! 


Requirements: Each family must consist of two parents and at least one child 
between 7 and 17 and should reside in the continental U.S.  (There may be 
other children living in the home who are older or younger than the required 
age.as long as one child is in the required age range.)


Participating in the show is a very unique experience that can be life 
changing for everyone.  In addition, each family that tapes an episode of 
Wife Swap receives $20,000 as compensation for their time.   Anyone who 
refers a family that appears on our program receives $1000 as a 'thank you' 
from us.  


I appreciate you taking the time to read this email and I hope to hear from 
you soon.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!


Thank you for your time,


Danielle Gervais

646-747-7956




Until the violence stops, Ben.  

Ben Atherton-Zeman, Acton MA USA
Actor, Comedian, Feminist and Husband
Presenting a One-Man Play: "Voices of Men," www.voicesofmen.org (video clips 
take a second to load)
Booking information: 978-263-3254

Quote of the Month, August, 2007:

"I refuse to call it sex, or any other word I'm supposed to say, encouraged 
to say on the stand, because to me that's committing perjury.  What happened 
to me was rape, it was not sex." - Tory Bowen, rape survivor, after the 
Lancaster County, Nebraska judge barred the use of the word "rape" in the 
courtroom.  Support Tory - sign the petition at 
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/freespeechforsurvivors/