How The "Bromad" Culture And Toxic Masculinity Dominate Remote Work

Millions of people work remotely by now and, according to one estimate, 40 percent of the workforce will be remote by 2020. 

The term "digital nomad" has been a catchphrase for someone who is typically a freelancer working remotely, earning money in a strong currency and living in cheaper developing countries. However, there is an invisible element behind this description: Although being a white male isn't a prerequisite for being a digital nomad, it helps. A lot.

In this feminist critique of the digital nomad culture, Adam Rowe talks about how a white male majority benefits from their privileges while exploiting them.

"Skype calls in cafes without using headphones. Crushing it, killing it, destroying it. Entitled and arrogant. Crossfit. Meet the digital bromad," Rowe describes the "bromad" and adds, "The bromad’s particular brand of unearned confidence and hedonism is simply toxic masculinity in an exotic locale."

Authors like Tim Ferriss, who popularized the idea of living in the "third world with first world salaries", often fail to acknowledge their privileges. Ferriss, an Ivy league-educated middle-class white male, writes: "What’s the worst that can happen — you move back in with your parents?" or "All you need is your passport and a laptop!"

With the rising numbers of people working remotely, there's a chance remote workforce or the crowds of so-called digital nomads will get more diverse. However, in Chiang Mai, Ubud or in Medellin, we'll probably keep seeing dudebro Tim Ferriss aspirants bragging loudly about how they are crushing it.