BravoWe've been seeing bits and pieces of it all season long, but, boy, Joe Gorga's unique perspective on the roles of husband and wife really snapped into view on tonight's new episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
As we know, Melissa Gorga's been working hard to get her boutique Envy ready for the big grand opening, leaving Joe to look after their children Antonia, Gino, and Joey with more frequency than he would like. Tonight, we were witness to one particularly difficult day for good ol' Joe—one that had him ranting and raving like a men's rights activist.
"Back in the 1800s, the women stayed home. The men went and hunted. That's what men do, we go to work. We bring back the bacon. The women, they cook the bacon. I'm a caveman. It's what we do." At least he knows he's acting like a caveman?
"Do I look like a woman? I'm an Italian stallion. Italian stallions, their mothers iron their underwear. We don't do this kind of stuff." Those poor moms.
"11 years ago, in our contract, when I said to Melissa, 'We're getting married,' this wasn't in our contract." We're afraid to see what was.
"I love hanging out with my kids. But taking care of my kids? That's a whole different animal." We're sure your wife feels the same.
"What about dinner? Because I just ate this whole thing of peanuts. That's what a good business woman does. Goes to work and comes home and takes care of the family." And probably while walking backwards, in heels, no less.
"I have to tell you something. I gave you a hard time about this place because you wanna do, do, do, but then your drive takes you away from me a little bit, but you're the best wife a man can have." Well, phew.
We give Joe a hard time because he makes it so easy, but at least he's not making Melissa cut his toenails and shave his back like brother-in-law Joe had Teresa Giudice do on camera tonight. And for that, we're thankful. Here's hoping he takes to heart the values he's instilling in his children as they watch their "caveman" dad and his rigid gender roles. Because it made our feminist heart soar to hear Melissa tell her sister, "I want to show my daughter that you can be the best wife, you can be the best mom, but you can also be successful in your own right." But hearing little Gino shout "Make me some food, you woman" at his father? That clipped our little feminist heart's wings.
What do you think about how Joe's handled Melissa's new career ambitions? Let us know in the comments below.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on Bravo.
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