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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.

12.06.2025 07:47

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.

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

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

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

Why do men like low maintenance women?

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

Remember the Hays Code?

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

3 hours of sleep and no fatigue? Scientists uncover the secret of natural short sleepers - Times of India

the display of bellybuttons

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

How come I can't stay sober?

toilets being shown

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

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

Jobs report shifts Fed interest rate forecasts - TheStreet

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