Last week I wrote on the realities of the “bottom girl.” This person has been heavily manipulated to become the pimp’s right hand man. Will you stop for a second just to imagine the kind of manipulation that took place for anyone to be second to the pimp? Through all the physical and psychological torture, this person became loyal to a guerilla pimp (pimp who uses fear, violence and coercion). Imagine being loyal to a friend who betrays your trust? Isn’t it difficult to stay loyal to these kinds of people? Now add violence to that situation.
Pimps manipulate bottoms more than any other girl. One of the most common lies is that he is going to leave “the game” to have a life with her. Sometimes, the pimp dangles her dreams in front of her. “Yes, I will send you back to school; yes, I will get you your own apartment; and yes, I will get you a car.” However, while she is with her pimp it will never be her reality, only a dream. But here she is, clinging to the unrealistic hope that one day he will fulfill his promise.
I was manipulated to become the pimp’s “bottom girl” through the promise of school. I knew the first night he forced me to sell my body that I was not comfortable in that life but I was beaten to the point of unconsciousness for telling him I wanted out. Then, the same man who beat me so badly, turned into prince charming. Apologizing and affirming that I will go back to school.
The duties of the bottom girl are clear, but for some it’s difficult to comprehend. Her responsibilities to the pimp make it easy for our society and judicial system to see her as criminal instead of a victim. She is beaten, threatened, and forced to exert the same level of exploitation and coercion as the pimp, contributing to her dual role as victim and exploiter. The authority given to her in the pimp’s absence comes with great accountability. To whom much is given much is required.
Come back next Friday to learn how the characteristics of the bottom unfold from victim and through coercion and violence by the trafficker, the victim becomes exploitative as well..
