3 February 1931

The Pimp

The first sociological study of pimps was published on 3 February 1931. Its author was the colorful medical doctor Ben Reitman from Chicago. Reitman (1879-1942) had spent his youth among whores and hobos, and for some time was the lover and manager of the famous anarchist Emma Goldman. In this study, The second oldest profession, Reitman presents the pimp as a man between 20 and 30, tall and slender, with dark hair and eyes, and a sallow skin. He is addicted to drugs and suffers from syphilis or tuberculosis. The pimp often has gold teeth. His level of education is high, he is interested in culture, and votes for the Democrats. Dr. Reitman had spotted at least a hundred pimps during a Democratic political parade. His book contains many case studies and real life stories, and was praised by sociologists.

See also:

•  Emma Goldman papers
•  Search IISH collections and databases for 'Ben Reitman'

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