In the unironic way. I expected it to exist in some form, but being this formalized? wow.
Anyway it's apparently still a thing https://inspirationalwomenseries.com/mail-order-bride-sites/ yikes-2

And you used to be able to get them from Ukraine! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3249478/

  • videogame [he/him]
    ·
    1 day ago

    It's kinda weird how this was a normalized joke in TV/movies

    Because this is just like, slavery right

    • CleverOleg [he/him]
      ·
      1 day ago

      I was there at the time (the 90s). It was a very common “joke” and no one ever made the connection that hey, that’s weird how we just destroyed the Soviet economy and now all these women from the former USSR are available to be purchased…

      • Thallo [love/loves]
        ·
        1 day ago

        I got into a spirited debate with someone who was saying that it's basically a transaction that benefits both parties

        Actually, it benefits the women more because they get to move to a nice country, and her kids will be set up for success.