A brief history of pimping: ‘It ain’t easy’ to all involved

Without a doubt, Curtis Jackson a.k.a 50 Cent popularised the inglorious word “pimp” through his smash hit “P.I.M.P”. I had a vague idea of what a pimp was, but that very track made me reach for the dictionary, so I could check for it’s complete meaning.

Who is a pimp and what does he/she do?

A pimp is basically a man or a woman who controls prostitutes and arranges clients for them, taking an agreed percentage of their earnings in return.

Different scholars have theorised that pimping started after the black slaves were freed in the United States. But some scholars also argue that pimping, is nearly as old as prostitution itself which goes far back to the BC era.

Although the pimping era is well documented in the United states. In absurd subtle ways, pimping has even been glamorised by movie makes globally, with Hollywood movie makers being the ”trendsetters”.

Have you ever questioned why all the pimps in the movies come across as ‘the man or woman’ to be, almost aspirational. Since my early teens till date, I have been searching for what, in actuality, is the inspiring part of such an inhumane occupation, other than the tainted cash which it generates. Well… I’m yet to find any.

I believe desperation and greed, which is common in slavery across various civilisations, birthed the acrimonious pimp occupation. For example, the black slaves of European and Muslim Arab Masters realised that, if the Masters’ sexual urges were adequately met without having to force the female slaves, they would get food, better treatment and even in some cases, this led to freedom.

Across many cultures, the lifestyle of a P.I.M.P is glorified. The way they live, the unusual confidence that comes with enormous wealth and the way they dress.

The English word pimp was first used in post slavery American era, when blacks dressed in suits and bow ties, which were given to them for procuring a slave girl for whatever client seeking some libido action.

Because the pimp’s lifestyle is glorified in the projects (government housing) and in the communities of very poor countries across Europe, Asia, America and Africa. Impressionable youngsters grow up looking up to them as role models. This is because they do not know better at that age and some of the unsuspecting youngsters are lured in.

A lot of naive young girls willingly join the pimp’s entourage, with the hope of some of the pimp’s social status rubbing off on her. Which in itself is a self-worth diminishing way of thinking. Think about this, if you get to hang out and then have sex with Mick Jagger, does that make you a member of the Rolling Stones? I bet it doesn’t.

Till this day and age, there are pimps running brothels with girls forced against their will. When we are young, we make a lot of mistakes, and it subsides as we get older and we still make them till we draw our last breath. But the young naive ones who willingly join the pimp’s entourage, sprouts from miseducation and a lack of information in general.

Because for you to control another human being, you have to dehumanise them in despicable ways. Making them loyal to the pimp, to the extent of even risking their very lives so that money can be made. The core of what makes them a human is stripped bare through fear which also stems from the threat of ostracism from the clique which is like family to them, through gruesome violence or in most cases intimidation.