Negging, peacocking, and bedroom eyes: pick-up artists peddle product at rAge 2015

South African gaming and electronics expo rAge has made some curious decisions regarding its portrayal of a family-friendly environment. After redesigning their mascot and receiving a copious amount of backlash from the community at large, it seems rAge has allowed The Attraction Academy class to have a stand — a class that teaches men how to ‘neg’ among other things.

 

Hahahahahahaha *gasp* Oh wait, they’re serious. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA pic.twitter.com/8c6MCDq8nU

— Tracy Benson (@NukuNukuDash) October 9, 2015

According to its website, The Attraction Academy teaches men to not only be confident but pick up women as well. While the confidence boosting courses are beneficial, the other aspects are less than savoury. Among some of the topics are “Getting the Kiss – 100% Rejection Proof”, “Creating Sexual Tension”, and “Negs and Disqualification (Attraction Amplifiers).”

For anyone that doesn’t know, negging is the act of placing a slight insult inside of a compliment. Yes, South Africa’s largest gaming and electronics expo is allowing the advertising of negging and making sure you always get that kiss.

In the wake of #gamergate, sexism in gaming culture is a hot topic — and a hot topic in most industries — and one has to wonder how something like this was allowed into rAge in the first place. The expo is filled with both men, women, and children. It’s curious how a class garnishing reviews, such as “Since attending The Attraction Academy seminar, I am getting an average of 4 women’s numbers every time I go out,” has been allowed in.

Attraction Academy is currently selling tickets on Quicket for R3450, which The Attraction Academy values at R7 000 each. That payment will net you a “12-hours of mind-blowing theory, training, practical demonstrations and underground sexrets that will transform your life with women.” Yes, you too can be the proud owner of misogynist branded snake oil. As an American infomercial celebrity would exclaim: “But wait, there’s more!” Aside from the very questionable content, participants in the course will also have access to a range of bonuses, such as access to the academy’s wingman group and 3 months free email access.

Regardless of how much wrapping paper you use, misogyny is bullshit.

There’s no other way to phrase it. We have reached out to the rAge Expo on Twitter, but have yet to hear back from them.

Hey @rAgeExpo how is this even allowed at the event? @tauriqmoosa @NukuNukuDash — Graham van der Made (@GrahamZA) October 9, 2015