“Two celebrities argue over the use of the word “pimpin.” I am sort of on the fence on this one. There are terms like this — words detached from their original traumatic sense — that I avoid using, “wifebeater” and “ghetto” come to mind, but “pimpin” does not make me quite as uncomfortable. In each case, however, the fundamental issue is the fundamental issue of any communication, and which Barthes parses in “Death of the Author” — does the authority over meaning reside with the creator or the reciever of the message.
What do you think?”
Interesting argument. I find it interesting that Demi Moore even brought it up. I think language has come to a point to where people need to evolve with the language. No, I am not speaking in terms of, “Oh, hey, we can all use the “N word” now because we can evolve with language!” I mean that in a sense to where many words, such as “pimpin’” have become common to a point to where it shouldn’t really bother the average listener. No, I don’t recommend using it in papers, or speaking it to someone in a formal conversation, but many words like this are becoming a part of our society. Is “pimpin” any different now than using the words “Awesome, rad, cool, sweet, etc.” when they began showing up a number of years ago? No. But because of the definition(s) behind it, it can be seen as different? No. “Awesome” is just as informal as “Pimpin’”, and I’m sure a lot of people had a problem with it and were confused by it when it first began to come around. Maybe not as offensive to some people, but, in the end, it’s all the same thing. Language is changing, and people need to accept that. There is a time and place to use certain words, and that’ll never change. I’m about as likely to write “Man, this poem by Jill is pimpin’!” as I am to say “Jill, that Aaaran poem I studied in my 190 class was awesome!” But, regardless how anyone feels about it, these words are a part of our language now. They won’t be in the dictionary any time soon, but they’re there. Honestly, I agree with “pimpin’” not really being that big of an issue. Demi Moore was way off base when she made the connection with slavery. What slavery? Modern-day slavery? The only thing I have a problem with is people making a mountain out of a mole hill. It’s 2010. Some people need to realize that. We have people inventing words every month. I don’t expect everyone to conform to new words that keep stock piling to our language, but if one doesn’t agree with it, just move on. But we do live in a time where now, more than ever, one does need to keep an open mind, especially with language.
I’m not sure “awesome” and “pimpin’” are really comparable examples given that one has a different language history that isn’t really that AwEsOmE. I agree with Demi to some extent; however, she chose to bring up this issue with the wrong people, at the wrong time, and through the wrong medium. Obviously Kim Kardashian is not worried about the social implications of the word “pimpin’” and I doubt she ever will be. Maybe Demi Moore should choose her battles more wisely in the future, seeing that Twitter is mostly for stalking your friends social lives and less for educating the world about modern day slavery.
