No, this is not a headline from The Onion, we really did get an inquiry from ABC-TV to participate in their primetime show "Wife Swap." They were looking for a feminist moms "who are proud to be wearing the pants and ruling their roost."

Wow.

We had just spent a wonderful evening with feminist media critic Jennifer Pozner the night before. We forwarded the ABC-TV email to her the next day...not surprisingly, she was not surprised.

According to ABC," Each week from across the country, two families with very different values are chosen to take part in a two-week long challenge. The wives from these two families exchange husbands, children and lives (but not bedrooms) to discover just what it's like to live another woman's life. "

For the morbidly curious, we have copied their e-mail message:

Hello

My name is Danielle Gervais. I'm a Casting Producer for ABC's Primetime show, "Wife Swap." I hope you don’t mind me contacting you, but we're gearing up for a fourth season at the moment and we're currently looking for unique families with LOTS of personality and strong family philosophies! Specifically, I’m looking for strong, feminist mothers who are proud to be wearing the pants and ruling their roost.

Feel free to forward this on to anyone you think would be interested in this unique opportunity! 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
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