Nas Academy supposedly launched a Whang-Od tattoo course without consent
Yikes
In hindsight, Nas Academy is a good concept. Owned by Nuseir Yassin, aka Nas Daily, the online learning platform allows its users to acquire industry tips and tricks from various influential figures.
On its site, Nas Academy has launched a course with Catriona Gray (How to Be a Beauty Queen), and upcoming ones from the likes of Erwan Heussaff (Content Creation), Jessica Soho (Broadcast Journalism), and Michael Cinco (Fashion).
While these are cool and all, a recent masterclass from Nas Academy has stirred up accusations of cultural exploitation. The site earlier introduced the ‘Whang-Od Academy’, which featured the legendary mambabatok from Kalinga.
According to the write-up, the program will see Whang-Od share her rituals, tools, and methods in performing the 1000-year-old tradition.
However, Gracia Palicas claims that the course is a scam, saying that her grandmother ‘did not sign any contract with Nas Daily to do any academy’.
‘Please help us stop this disrespect to the legacy of Apo Whang Od and the Butbot tribe’ said Palicas in a Facebook post.
In another since-deleted post, Palicas said that the 104-year-old tattoo artist did not understand the translators who visited her for a Nas Daily feature, which was uploaded last July 16, 2021.
The caption on the YouTube video claims that the Nas Daily team managed to convince Whang-Od to become a teacher, along with a link to the course page. The feature has since been taken down.
‘I know you have good intentions of sharing our culture with the next generation. However, our village concern is that some people are profiting and exploiting our art and culture’, wrote Palicas, who did confirm that a transaction was made.
‘I know you spoke to someone and gave some money and will share profits, but Apo Whang Od is not aware of your contract’.
As of writing, Nas Academy has not issued a statement, but has since removed the program and any signs of promotions on its socials.
This is not the first time that Whang-Od has been involved in an issue of cultural exploitation. New Era also faced controversy when it released a Whang-Od streetwear line, which featured the iconic tattoo designs. The brand has since clarified that part of the proceeds from the line will be donated to the Butbut tribe.
The post <b> Nas Academy supposedly launched a Whang-Od tattoo course without consent </b> appeared first on WE THE PVBLIC.
Source: we the pvblic
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