Re: Is a "Pimps and Ho's Party" disrepectful???
 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by phikappapsiman
I have to ask this...

I know that some fraternities have a "Pimps and Ho's" party. Some brothers want to bring it up to my chapter to have one, but I think that is it disrespectful, and kinda racist. Am I overreacting???

You are not overreacting??

"Pimps and Hos" party are disrespectful:mad: :mad:

Because every woman that participates in this party will be consider a ho. That is disrespectful to every woman.

VOTE NO FOR THE PARTY.

Pimps and Ho's is racist? Are you people serious? Get real, I have never heard of this crap before. Ok, since it has a racist connection, care to fill me in on what race you are talking about and what's your proof?

I can see how the title is offensive and shocking, but if it was called something like "Sexy Dress Up Costume Mixer" would there be a difference if people came dressed like pimps and ho's? Damn, I'd think when you join the greek system, some of you would learn to be a little loose and not so conservative. You'll have plenty of time to get old and freaked out like my grandparents...

Drop me an invite for your wine and cheese mixers, ok?

First off, I don't need "proof" to have an opinion. But since SOME of you seem to think that by showing repect to others who may be offended by such an event is a sign of conservatism, and not respect, I will try to explain my point of view.

How is a "pimps and hos party" racist? Well, I can ONLY SPEAK FOR ME, as to how I can see it as being racist. As an African-American male, I do not find that portraying a Pimp is anything that I consider either entertaining or fun. To me, and JUST TO ME, the racial connotations that go with being a pimp are not any that I see as positive. Maybe other ethnic groups see it as no big deal, but that is one sterotype that I don't need to enact. I have yet to see a Pimp portrayed in the media or in Hollywood as anything but an African-American male without any redeeming qualities, so yes, I do find it disrespectful, racist, and not needed. Who knows? Maybe there are White pimps, Asian pimps, Hispanic pimps, whatever out there, but I have yet to see one (except for Heidi Fleiss, and I guess you couldn't really call her a pimp). Am I being oversensitive? Perhaps. But it is not a matter of being politically correct-it's a matter of pride and self-respect. As for ho's- I wouldn't want my wife or girlfriend or daughter or sister dressing like a ho at any time. Again, this is just my opinion...If others feel that their organization should do it, and nothing is wrong with it- fine, that is their choice. I only hope that if other individuals or groups on their campus found out about it, that person or group would at least have the courage to call them on it to have them explain how such an event reflects positively upon greek life.

pimps and hoes party
 

At Florida State, the law school had a pimps and hoes party at a bar near campus... well, it was all in good fun. But.. other campus groups found out about such as the naacp and other ones.. and it was in the papers.. all of them about this party and everyone got mad. Personally, yes they could be offensive and other ways it could be a good time. i think it depends on how people take it.
-ashley

Yes it is disrespectful. I wouldn't do it.

One of the fraternities back at school had a Pimps and Hoes Party. The following week, the school paper had pictures on the front cover. Well, the editor-in-chief was almost removed from his position because he allowed these perfectly decent photos to be placed in our school paper. (BTW, I go to a private, Catholic university) Sooo, I guess it all depends on who, what, where, when, etc.

Ho's and pimps have nothing to do with race. Don't allow people to label you or your race as something you are not. Pimps and ho's are a part of all cultures and races. Hollywood is hollywood. Hollywood is not real life. Pimps are not exclusively black. Blacks are not exclusively pimps and ho's. No one race has a monopoly on that. :D

Re: OK, I'll quote you again
 

There was no attitude. I was just responding to a post.

Check thyself? Who made you all high and mighty?

Anyway, have a great day everyone :)

but who do these people get their inspiration from? who do they imitate? yes, this type of party can be seen as racist.

About the white trash social...
 

We had one at my school... but it was called "Deer Hunters and Their Wives"... guys in camoflauge and the girls in curlers, housecoats, etc.

It was fun, and I don't think anyone was offended.

"Pimps and Hoes" Party = Tacky, Tacky, Tacky!!
 

I would never participate in one of these parties. I just could not bring myself to do it. NOT AT ALL. In my neighborhood, calling someone a hoe is fighting words. :mad: I don't know anyone who would feel comfortable enough to step into a sorority/fraternity party in "hoe gear" :eek: just cuz everyone else thought it was cool/funny/acceptable. But hey, to each his own.

If organizations really want to have a party and dress up in this manner, then they should simply come up with a better name than "Pimps and Hoes". IMO, that theme lacks creativity and is just plain tacky.

I guess I'm living on planet x because I sincerely do not see a distinct association with pimps and hoes to the african-american or any other specific group as people are commenting. I don't mean to be disrespectful to any group, but I suppose I didn't face these types of problems being in such a multi-cultural fraternity. Our brotherhood, I can safely say, hit every ethnic group during my time there. Sure we'd joke around and make tasteless jokes, but nothing was ever disrespectful to any person or group.

Having said that, I think everyone here is only upset with this theme because the title is shocking. I saw it as short and catchy; some of you saw it as racist and disrespectful. I apologize if I offended anyone with my opinions, but I can't seem to figure out what it is that triggers in your mind those words as racist. I must of missed those movies, cause I've seen whorehouses, postitutes, and yes, the pimps portrayed by all types of people (what a lovely subject we've gotten into here).

Anyways, I can understand now that just people and cultures are more or less sensitive to different things for different reasons. But let me ask this, if someone like me, who never had intentions of offending a group and my house had such a party and everyone had a great time dressing up and partying, how are we being disrespectful? Because I don't think it's fair to automatically assume something is being disrespectful unless the people doing it are intending that sort of reaction. Just my thought, and I think that's the thought of the people who throw these parties. Otherwise, what kind of fun is it to have a party that gets people upset?

- RUgreek

As myself being a African American I can see where phikappapsiman is coming from. Even though hollywood is hollywood and yes African Amercians have gotten a bad name from being pimps. Don't just look at moveis, look at the media, and enteraniers such as rappers that portray themselves as being pimps and proud of it. I might be going out on a limb here but I think that some of you might just focus on the movie aspect with pimps and hoes theme.

I remember a few years ago on HBO (I think). They had this special about the pimp of the year. For those who have never heard it let me explain. Every year in Chicago all the pimps come out with their hoes to Chicago. The pimps are dressed up in alligator shoes flashy 70's pimped out suits. Gold chains, wathces, rings, and anything else you can think of. Some of these pimps will also bring their cars. I mean these cars are nice, I will give them that. But basically the pimp of the year is the one who has the most hoes (females), money, and the best style of dress. This event is very disrespectful to all females sometimes by they way these feamles are portrayed. Because they are hardly wearing any clothes, heck most of the time they are not wearing anything but their birthday suit. :mad: The bad thing about this is, that some of these rappers are there known for their pimpin lyrics are there helping to support this event. :mad: The thing that makes me the maddest is that about 99% of these pimps and hoes (females) are African American! Yes, there is about 1% that is a minority in this field. Wheter they are Asian, Latino, white, or it is a female pimp. They are considered a minority in the pimpin lifestyle. That is why African Americans get a bad rap for being known as pimps. This is only how I feel about it. Not all African Americans feel the same way I do, this is just how I feel. I cannot speak for all African Americans, just myself.

That is why I will never undrestand how any female would be able to go to a mixers with the pimps and hoes theme. I feel that we as females are being degraded. The way I think about is that how these pimps got all their money and material things were from a women who go out and do sexual acts for money! When they go back to their pimp they get majority of their money. For all the hard work they did.

I will never support a theme like this.

Sigma Kappa
One Heart, One way

Ok, one last thing I want to say here. I realize the first thing people do is relate Pimp=Male and Ho=Female, but this is a greek party theme, remember... If it was the guys dressing as the hoe's (I believe Gigalo is the PC term) and the ladies were dressed as the pimps (i.e. Madame's) is it still disrespectful? Because I gotta tell you, and maybe this would have been better to point out earlier, but everyone goes to this party however they want, and that's what makes it hilarious and fun for all.

Nobody said you had to be one-sided and not creative; that's the whole point of an original party event. All things being equal, everyone can dress however they choose. Not all ho's must dress a specific way, it's open to anyone's interpretation. Break the barriers of stereotypes and just make something wild and fun for everyone.

- RUgreek

Re: Re: OK, I'll quote you again
 

All those lovely eye rolls were not necessary. If you want anyone to take your posts seriously you should show the respect you're given.

But obviously I'm wasting my time here.

Re: Re: Re: OK, I'll quote you again
 

First of all I don't really care if you or anyone disagrees with my opinion.

Second, yes, obviously you are wasting your time here. I'm not here to change your opinion and you are definitely not going to change mine.

"All those lovely eye rolls? I did it once...give me a friggin' break.

Have a nice day :)

Take it outside girls :), anyways back on topic......

After reading these additional posts, I am going back to my origional opinion. P&H parties are disrespectful. Ya know, think of someone having a "Master and Slave Party". I think the two are on a similar wavelengths. Some things just aren't necessary imitating.

Wrong!! Even if most pimps and ho's were black a p&h party is not disrespectful to blacks. Basically because prostitution is not tradition or a value that black people hold dear to them. A black person might have coined the term but hoes have been around since the beginning of time. From what it sounds like a p&h party is just a 70's party.

Huh? :confused:

I think you missed my point. I'm not talking about P&H in relation of African Americans. I'm talking about it in relation of oppression and disrespect to women.

The point I am trying to make is that IMO having a P&H party is almost as disrespectful to women, as having a "Master and Slave" parties is disrespectful to blacks. I just used that as an analogy and example. Catch my drift?

Think about the Auburn University incident, last Halloween. Their event was "supposedly" to be a fun thing, according to them, that is.

Still slaves and hoes are very different. No woman is born into prostitution. Prostitution is not nationally legal. Woman have a choice slaves didn't. Women have rights slaves didn't. I don't see a comparion. Sorry.

What does being born/legalizing/choosing have to do with this?

Some are reading way to deep into this. My above comment was general/blanket comparing.

For those that claim a "pimps and hoes" party is in essence a "70's" party, what culture are the partygoers dressed like? "That 70's show" or "The Mack"? My point is that many African-Americans, including myself, may consider that lampooning a particular population who constantly combat negative and unfair images of themselves daily.

I don't think P.C. should have to extend to things your chapter/organization has as a tradition: as far as I'm aware, KA's "Old South" event is a long-standing tradition within their Order.

A Pimps and Hos party--I doubt it's listed within your organization's "traditions". It has little to do with political correctness--it has to do with "everything that comes out of your mouth does not make it automatically cool." I say stuff all the time that when I think about it in hindsight, it wasn’t such a great thing to say. Just because someone thought it would be cute to have a Pimps and Hos party doesn't mean therefore that it's "all good" to have one. The name is offensive. A Pimp is a man that sells women for sex, usually on a street corner. Most pimps are at best misogynistic. A ho, in this instance, is a woman who sells her body to men she doesn't know for money. I would daresay guess that most women who are hos hate being hos, and would do anything to get out of the game. One can "titter, titter" about putting on ho-gear and Zoot suits if one wants, but just understand that people have every right to put the chapter on blast for hosting one. Out of all the names for costume parties we can think of (and some folks in this thread had some really cute ones), this one is supposed to be funny?

I’m not even close to being the most PC person, and I know you can't (and I don’t try to) please everybody all the time, but why would one to appear to go out of ones way to offend some folks? So my short answer to the question is: there are lots of other social themes that would have the same result (scantily dressed women/or folks in drag as desired) but not potentially show up on the front page of the college newspaper—find another theme.

People make simple topics so damned academic!

It's a party.

I don't think you could possibly say this is the same is a slave/master party... that's just WAAAY too much of a stretch.

I don't think the purpose of the party is to celebrate a lifestyle -- just to dress up in ridiculous outfits and have a good time.

The key here is "ridiculous".

What's interesting here is that some members of GLO's are fine with having their greek letters, reputation, house, etc associated with having a "Pimps and Hos" party (knowing full well the negative connotations associated with the term pimp's and ho's - thanks Shelaciou for breaking down the meaning of each ) and are not the least bit worried about the image that they are portraying to GDI's, faculty, or university. But yet go over to the "MTV and Sororities" thread and you will find these same folks hootin' and hollerin' about how this sorority will make them all look bad! You can't have it both ways. If you consider it a priviliage to be greek, then act it! Why would it be fun to associate yourself or org with a lifestyle that is degrading to all parties involved?

I agree. Fraternities already have the rep of being misogynistic, and sororities already have the rep of being "loose". Having such themes will only reinforce those inane stereotypes to GDIs.

The voice of reason--Shelacious. It's not a hard choice...if you have your heart set on this theme, just change the name and focus. Make it cutesy. If you want people to dress in 70's gear, make it a 70's party. If you want the fedoras and zoot suits, make it a 20's party. (I don't know if that's right, but you get me). I personally don't find this theme shocking anymore b/c it's been around (though I am not saying that just because something has been around for a long time it should not be reevaluated) and by this point I am desensitized to party themes...they're just ridiculous themes meant to inspire even more ridiculous costumes. It may be "all in good fun" but if someone within good reason finds it offensive, then just alter it enough to make everyone comfortable with it. Having a theme with an offensive name is more trouble than it's worth.

Get Outta My Head!!
 

Oh ~ for a minute there, I thought I was the only one who noticed. But like I said before, to each his own.

Question: Are T-shirts made up with these themes?

I know when I was in school, the greeks had t-shirts made for their mixers/parties/events. Some of them were soooooooo cute and very funny, not to mention creative. Just curious.

Well said, and I agree. I certainly don't think that the founders of Alpha Phi, for example, were sitting around thinking that it would be a good idea to do anything like a "Pimps and Hos" party. Yes, NPC organizations are thought of as "social" organizations, but the original aim of my organization was to build women up, not tear them down and degrade them -- and I think that is the case with most, if not all, women's GLOs.

For those who are saying that it's all in fun and they should be able to do whatever they want -- I guess I don't understand why you need to have this type of party sponsored by your GLO. If you, as a woman, want to dress up as a whore, why not just do it? Why get your organization involved at all? Is it because you know that it's actually not a very classy thing to do, and you need a "stamp of approval" of your organization's name on it? Would you be too embarrassed to dress up as a whore on your own, without a sorority sponsored event and without a bunch of your friends doing it too?

I really don't understand why women want to portray themselves as hos, even for a night. Why is that fun? And by the way, I'm no prude and am all for being sexy and dressing up, but I don't see why anyone wants to "play ho" for a night.

it's funny becuase people are trying to forget that that particular incident never happened. or some people don't even know wha it was. yes, a pimp and ho party is just as ignorant as that one was.

Yes, we had a pimps and hos mixer when I was in school, and it was the BEST mixer I ever went to. Ours was a "reverse" mixer where the guys were the hos and we were the pimps. For once guys got a taste of wearing nylons and high heels and makeup.

I don't see race as being involved. No one in either group made an effort to look like a different race - the white girls dressed up as white pimps, the Asian men as Asian hos, etc.

Nevertheless, the school has subsequently banned that theme from Greek events.

I could see that, depending on the folks involved, it could get out of hand. And if we hadn't done role-reversal, I'm not sure I would have gone for it. I have no desire to have my sorority captured on film as "hos."

Name change
 

My frat throughs a Playa's Ball . It is usually off the hook. Some guys dress as playa's & come w/ women & some women dress as playa's & come w/ guys. You usually give an award for best dressed too.

I think my chapter had the first "Pimps n' Ho's" social waaaay back in '95. It was with Phi Mu, and IT WAS A BLAST!!!! The women loved the party and had a GREAT time with the costumes.

A lot of people came in "reverse" dress (guys dressed as ho's, girls as pimps), but even more came dressed according to their gender.

And yes, there was a t-shirt. In fact, it was one of the most popular t-shirts we ever had. The picture showed a zoot-suited guy leaning on a fin-tailed Caddy, and a mini-skirted lady leaning on a street light. The caption was "We say when, where and how much!"

If I can ever remember, I'll try to dig out some pictures from the party to scan, as well as the tshirt, to try to post.

The chapter tried to continue the social as a tradition, but over the years, the politicially correctness has altered it a bit. It's been called the "Pretty Woman Party," the "Red Light Mixer," the "Playz & Divas" social. I'm not sure if the chapter today continues to have the social or not. I do know that it became more of a "crush party" for the chapter...where guys invited a number of girls from all sororities as well as GDI's instead of having one particular sorority cosponsor it - that way, no sorority names or letters were on the shirts.

not really racist but..
 

Their are pimps in every race and melanin color in the spectrum.. BUT ONLY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN PIMPS dress OUTLANDISHLY COLORFULLY (in line with how people dress in the theme of the party).

Some of your white pimps (like the owner of the legal Mustang Ranch) dress very conservatively.

The Italian pimps dress in fine, custom tailored Italian suits.

But, I bet no one at the party dressed as a pimp will dress consevatively or in a tailored Italian suit.

They will most likely be dressed as the steriotypical flamboyant Black Pimp.

All hoes have pretty much the same dress code across the racial board... Trashy for the street walker.. classy for the pro escort.

We call them gangster wedding and throw condoms at the "bride and groom" who are the 2 with the best costumes. We just keep it to a very thirties Mafioso theme, with girls dressed like floppers and malls. Think movies like "The Untouchables" and stuff like that. The roaring twenties.

I don't think it's disrespectful, however.... after reading the newspaper article about the "pimps and ho's" party at... Nebraska I think... somethings have been carried too far.. Something that seems fine to you or me today, can be "turned up a notch" year after year untill it does go too far and someone gets hurt... or worse..... killed.

Just think about what you do today.... and imagine what it could turn into in 5 or even 10 years.

Em

Whoa, what happened? :confused:

I don't remember the article well enough to quote it exactly... but recenly at our National Leadership Confrence The Speaker on hazing showed us slides of about 20 diffrent incidents. One was the pimps and ho's party...... There were other examples of events gone bad, there was one story of a girl getting raped... another of a guy (who was forced to drink) fell off a balcony and is now a Quadraplegic.

I am all for people having fun.. but you want to make sure EVERYONE is having fun... willingly.... and respectfully.

Em

Pimp and Ho Parties
 

In my opinion, a pimp and ho party can be respectful, it all depends on the behavior of the two organizations participating. Just because you're dressed that way, doesn't mean you have to act like it!

Re: Pimp and Ho Parties
 

true that. you're supposed to dress up like pimps and hos, not act like 'em.

I ran into an older ADPi who told me that we'd had a "White Trash Bash" with them a 2 years ago. She said it was a blast.

I don't think either theme becomes grossly offensive until people start acting the part. just like a pirate themed party would be fun and games...until some scurvy landlover is forced to walk the plank. arrrrr.