The Film That Almost Was Cleopatra Jones

The film that was almost ,Cleopatra Jones, however the studio lost the rights to it therefore ,Coffy, was born thus ushered in a whole era of what were known as Blackpoitation films. Coffy was actually an anti drug, anti pimp, anti prostitution movie with a strong Woman of color lead ergo Pam Grier. Of course real life scenarios of “The Life” reflect little of what was portrayed Coffy other than yes females in a stable are always fighting for a position in a pimps stable it’s the dangling carrot tactic pimps always use, children being introduced and addicted to narcotics particularly those most vulnerable to it, the attire it can be depends on the pimp/sex trafficker, as well as dope and pimping often go hand in hand. Where there is dope there is often prostitution and or sex trafficking. The actual interaction prostitutes or sex trafficking survivors have with pimps is not at all equal as semi portrayed in the film. The communication is not level. Once someone starts working for a pimp, not even eye contact is allowed towards a pimp in most if not all cases. That’s where the term “Pimps up h_s down” comes from because those who work for them in the sex industry are eons down from the pimp, the pimps are above those that work for them often taking most if not all of the earnings typically. There is no equal power dynamic what the pimp says goes otherwise those who don’t go by their rules and regulations end up beaten, raped, or both. There is no mouthing back or cutting out of line or known as “Out of pocket.” That’s the reality of “The Life” not the fantasy many 1970’s films portrayed. Furthermore moral of the story don’t go vigilante because vigilantism in real life cases does not work. Doing so especially if a Woman will land those who do so raped, trafficked, or face down just like playing with those kinds or those linked to that life is stupid because it’s like putting one’s hand in a fire. It’s not a bright idea. That all aside it honestly is one of if not the first of groundbreaking films featuring a Woman of color.