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Why do Americans and foreigners alike describe the USA as prudish? Why do I see nothing prudish about the USA society? USA feels like one of the loosest countries although Americans claim to be very reserved.

11.06.2025 08:41

Why do Americans and foreigners alike describe the USA as prudish? Why do I see nothing prudish about the USA society? USA feels like one of the loosest countries although Americans claim to be very reserved.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

toilets being shown

nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)

Are you already having anal sex?

The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.

sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.

couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)

Giants Activate Jerar Encarnacion - MLB Trade Rumors

the display of bellybuttons

Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.

Remember the Hays Code?

How do I become an intelligent man?

any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.

For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.

Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:

A former police chief who escaped from an Arkansas prison is captured - NPR

disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people