Tourism’s Neo-Colonial Veil: Why Passport Bros Are Terrible
In recent years, the allure of travel has surged dramatically. The rise of social media, with its constant usage, exposes us to vivid glimpses of reality: snippets of stunning landscapes, backed by catchy music, showcasing inexpensive yet luxurious cuisine and affordable tourist spots beyond American standards. This surge has given rise to a trend known as “passport bros” or “passport brothers.” These individuals share their escapades primarily in third-world countries, seeking out cheap nightlife, women, and other indulgences. Their adventures are fueled by the considerable differences in currency value, enabling them to relish abundant luxuries at notably lower costs in these destinations, including food, drinks, entertainment, and more.
For many years, men from privileged countries have sought experiences abroad, which isn’t a new trend. This exploration, often termed tourism by some, isn’t always viewed the same way by locals. Residents are accustomed to these transient visitors, their spending habits, and the impacts they bring. While it becomes customary for locals to witness this flux, it can sometimes disrupt the local population.
Reflecting on the parallels between neo-colonialism and tourism brings to light the perpetuation of imbalanced power dynamics and exploitation, albeit in differing contexts. These concepts share a common thread — where one group asserts influence or control over another, often disregarding the impact on resources or cultures solely for personal gain.
Considering tourism in this light reveals it as a contemporary form of neo-colonialism due to the unsettling power dynamics it presents. Frequently, tourists from more affluent nations visit a here less developed areas, bringing “economic benefits” but also inadvertently (also purposely) nurturing a sense of superiority. It is evident here in the influx of tik-tok videos, reels and blogs bragging about their sexual conquests and exploits albeit at the cause of an exchange rate inequality — - which you shouldn’t brag about. Sadly, this can result in the exploitation of local resources, labor, or cultural heritage, overlooking the enduring repercussions on the communities they visit, (rising rent costs making actual colombians flee elsewhere) when in reality they can’t even fathom why every where they go “starts sucking” (Hint: it’s cause you’re here now.)
In another momentous finding, one poignant example is the concept of “tourism leakage,” where a substantial portion of the profits from tourism fails to circulate within the local economy, instead flowing back to entities in the tourists’ home countries. Often, foreign-owned establishments like hotels, airlines, tour agencies and things alike dominate the industry, reaping the lion’s share of financial gains. These guys don’t just begin their conquest with their little dicks — other little dick corporate entities trail them, cementing their loads of colonialist ideals within their industries’ boundaries.
Moreover, the impact of tourists on local cultures often triggers a subtle erosion or commercialization of traditions. There’s a tendency for people to adjust their way of life to meet tourists’ expectations, inadvertently diluting the genuine essence of their culture or heritage. (Colombia is magical in a way someone who isn’t Colombian won’t ever understand.) This alteration, while intending to cater to the tourist gaze, results in the loss of authentic cultural identity which is evident in already heavily touristed areas like Cancun, which unfortunately — - to me — is an American beach in Mexico.
Neo-colonialism operates on a broader scale, echoing these patterns but with powerful nations or corporations exerting economic, political, or cultural influence over less powerful countries. This might involve the exploitation of natural resources, economic manipulation, or the imposition of cultural values without regard for the autonomy or well-being of the affected nations. It’s a stark realization that both tourism and neo-colonialism hinge on a dominant group wielding control over a less dominant one, often resulting in exploitation and cultural distortion, which leads to the imminent unequal distribution of wealth and power.
Many tourists visit for leisure, seeking cheaper ways to unwind and party, which brings in a recipe for creating potential disruptions. Some locals resent this intrusion as it can lead to displacement. The rise of remote work has facilitated a new trend where individuals choose to permanently relocate to these countries due to their affordability and the flexibility they offer in terms of work and currency exchange advantages. This relocation allows them to take advantage of the lower cost of living and the favorable financial situation, unfortunately making it an attractive prospect for those from wealthier nations.
However, for some, there’s an underlying veil that hints at something more sinister. The term “neo-colonialism” has gained traction recently, particularly in relation to certain forms of tourism. Passport bros are infamous for traveling primarily to seek “potential partners” or solely for casual sexual encounters (let’s be real here). Discussions in certain forums suggest that dating in the United States has become challenging due to escalating focus on political leanings, racial tensions, and the clash between various cultures and beliefs — which in retrospect isn’t any different than other eras of dating.
The diverse mix of cultures and regional differences in the United States, spanning from north to south and east to west, along with smaller yet significant cultural nuances with those, Some men express that navigating the dating scene has grown notably challenging, as finding equitable partners akin to those available in the past, say 40 or even 20 years ago, seems increasingly scarce. They attribute this shift to the rise of feminism, according to their perspective. Some call it a fun time, a harmless victimless crime, but to me and many others alike it often reveals an unsightly aspect of what many identify as neo-colonialism.
I understand. While some argue that labeling tourism as neo-colonialism is a stretch, tourism as an industry has flourished, and when conducted responsibly, it can indeed be harmless. The typical tourist experience involves enjoying a different part of the world, making memories, and returning home. However, there’s a stark contrast in how some people engage in tourism.
Various platforms — pages, blogs, podcasts, forums, Reddit threads, and conferences — elaborate precisely on what a typical “passport bro” does. While they may claim to seek a potential spouse (which appears more like an excuse), the reality often revolves around seeking sex, drugs, and exerting control. My firsthand experience indicates that these individuals show little regard for the local community, women, or respect for the culture.
It’s one thing to engage in consensual encounters after a night out, but it’s entirely different to exploit a place by creating an industry centered on sexual pursuits, perpetuating racist stereotypes of enticing brown, foreign women catering to every whim (dollar) in exchange for something else.
So for example in constraint, Neo-colonialism manifests when a wealthier, privileged group ventures to another land, not merely for exploration but to exploit. They often disrupt local culture, exploit women, and show little regard for the native community. Their influx drives up costs, displaces locals, and reshapes industries to suit their preferences. If we were to juxtapose this with historical colonialism, the only missing elements might be muskets and overt threats of war. This contemporary exploitation echoes the exploitative nature of traditional colonialism, albeit in a modern guise, showcasing a disturbing continuity in history’s patterns of dominance and exploitation.
I see the deep sorrow and disgust that this form of exploitation brings. Being Colombian but raised in America, I recognize the privileges I have but opted for a different path — one that celebrates culture through museums and heartfelt poetry written as the sun rises over a hostel bed. I love the warm coffee, the exclusivity that only me and my people can experience through that wonderful piece of land — Mi País. My experience involves relishing coffee in a beautiful bright street, watching my beautiful Colombian people carrying makeshift bags that carry food for groceries, hearing the laughter of children, small families, evoking memories of my own. In many ways, their everyday lives mirror my own experiences and roots. They’re my people.
Seeing a passport bro boast about having sex with a Colombian woman disgusts me. The narrow view of Colombia as merely a place for sex and drugs sickens me. For me, Colombia represents identity, separate from these stereotypes, although I’m aware they exist. Coming from a religious, Christian background, the idea of associating these notions with my heritage is unimaginable. The thought of someone reducing my family, predominantly women from an underprivileged country, to these misconceptions sickens me further.
It’s absurd that people from privileged nations would consider moving here when they previously, most likely those who mocked poor countries growing up. This attitude is not only offensive but also absurd. Exploiting a country and its resources to suit selfish desires when things don’t go as expected (you finding any women who can stand you) is deplorable. Passport bros lack awareness of the damage they cause- which ironically is… a colonialist trait. I urge women to reconsider dating these men; (men who have “traveled” to these poor countries with zero pictures to show that they’ve been there) their motives often aren’t genuine. Let’s be totally honest here, most passport bros couldn’t find companionship locally and seek women overseas who may accept their money, not realizing their relatively modest income in their home country ($40,000~) means they’re treated like kings abroad.
In simple terms, you’re not seeking something new; you’re seeking to exploit. Since you can’t do that close to home, you go elsewhere, pretending to travel for culture while actually trying not to be a virgin by paying for sex. That’s honestly pretty sad. If you have to travel the world for sex, because you can’t find any nearby, I’m sorry pal, the issue lies within yourself, not the women around you.
