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: 01.07.2025 00:19

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

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

toilets being shown

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

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)

Coco Gauff tops Aryna Sabalenka to give the French Open an American champion - The Washington Post

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.

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

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

Remember the Hays Code?

the display of bellybuttons

Rangers' Zibanejad pens heartfelt goodbye to Kreider after trade - NHL.com

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