The Wizard and the Curse
An old man went to the Wizard to ask him if he could remove a “curse” he’d been living with for the last 40 years.
“Maybe,” the wizard answered, “but you’ll have to tell me the exact words that were used to put you under this evil spell.”
The old man answered without hesitation: “I now pronounce you man and wife!”
-- Anonymous
Thank you everyone for sharing your responses to this question post. A few responses were recently removed because they violated the Caring.com Community Code of Conduct(http://www.caring.com/about/community_guidelines.html) In posting an answer, please remember to keep the Caring.com Community Code of Conduct in mind -- including avoiding personal attacks against those of a different perspective or using a different approach than yours. Differences of opinion are welcome, as long as they're presented respectfully. Your cooperation will help to make sure that Caring.com remains a safe and supportive place for all caregivers. Please get in touch with our team if you have any questions or concerns: moderators@caring.com. We've also shared your feedback with our Editorial team.
I too am surprised at Caring.com for this "joke" which is simply not funny.
I agree with all of the women here who are tired of being treated as second class citizens. Yes, it is true that women are not treated equally in any country on the planet. So that means we should accept it? Accepting things because "that's just the way it is" has led to horrible lives for millions of people throughout history. Slavery, serfdom, etc. Yes, if the fellow has been miserable for 40 years then he is indeed an idiot. But I'll bet that he would have been a lot more miserable keeping house, cooking, cleaning, and caring for the kids while holding down a full time paid position outside the home. Which is what 80% of my generation did and continue to do. It's changing, but WAY too slowly. Further, in my opinion, it is acceptance of "jokes" like these that paves the way to abuse in relationships. And no, I don't like "men-bashing" either. I think we've all put up with this sort of juvenile humor for far too long.
Hugs Messenger
Okay, so try repositioning the characters in this story. It's the woman who wants the curse lifted. No, women aren't treated equally in any society on this planet, though there seems to be more equality in a few of the Scandinavian countries. Yes, men make jokes about women, but the same is true in reverse. I suspect however that most jokes about males by women are told in private. If your feelings are bruised by a joke, then you need to examine the real reasons you are resentful. And you need to adjust. I think one of the key problems in this kind of reaction is a high degree of insecurity by the person who feels being made the butt of the joke. I've been listening to more male bashing during this last year than I ever have even thought of in my previous 69 years. I don't know whether it's because I wasn't privy to women's private discussions or whether it is a matter of geography. But, after moving to a small town in Arkansas, I've heard so much male bashing that I've begun to react in the manner I see here. But, I remind myself, we all generalize, just as this statement is doing. Not all men are women bashers and and not all women are male bashers. It's a matter of personal choice how you react to what you hear and see. The society is what it is. If you want it to change, then do something about it.
This ugly joke reminds me of what my husband says when discussing with others how long we have been married. "yes, the first (insert current number of years) are the hardest" It is in poor taste regarding what should be a topic of celebration.
I'm glad to hear you agree with me. The negative remarks will come though, calling me too sensitive, telling me to roll with the punches, or worse. Some folks just like to make fun of others. They are the same people that think women should get paid less for the same job as a man. I am used to it, and know better. Those are the types that make jokes at other's expense but would not like it if it were reversed. Oh well. C'est la vie! Otherwise, I do like Smile of the Week!
Well said DukeToLuke. I too felt a sense of distaste reading this "joke" and was surprised that it is the Smile of the Week on what is otherwise a thoughtful and helpful website. And I, too, am not lacking in a sense of humor.
You know what - I think you are right. Some things can be funny - but not really when women are constantly the butt of negative humour. I do have a big sense of humour as well.... but these leave me wondering if its really funny!
You may call me a sourpuss, but I really dislike misogynist jokes. Having said that, I really wonder why men marry at all? Why does anyone get married if it is a living hell? This joke, seemingly saying the wife has been a curse, really tells us the man is a complete idiot for having remained married to someone who makes him miserable, for 40 years. I am really tired of and offended by constant jokes about horrible wives, and dumb and stupid women. Usually, the teller of such jokes says "Aww, it's just a joke" but we know it is not. It is getting your digs in about women, a chance to demean a class of humans. One would NEVER change the word "wife" or "woman" for "African American", "Asian" or "disabled" in these "jokes" Why? Because it is disrespectful, racist, rude, and hurtful to other groups of people. For the record, I also find jokes that belittle men offensive too. There are numerous things in life to laugh at without denigrating a class of people. Yes, I DO have a sense of humor, but my humor is not aimed at insulting anyone.