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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.

Last Updated: 27.06.2025 04:35

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.

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

Remember the Hays Code?

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

RPI researchers delighted when underwater volcano opened up beneath them - Times Union

the display of bellybuttons

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Companies are struggling to fill manufacturing positions, let alone plan for what Trump's administration has in mind - Business Insider

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

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

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

Newspaper headlines: Spending Review 'renewing Britain' or 'reckless splurge' - BBC

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

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

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

NASA Science Community Budget Meeting POSTPONED - NASA Watch

toilets being shown