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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 07:12

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.

toilets being shown

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

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

UNC Falls to Oklahoma, Setting Up Winner-Take-All Finale in Regional - 247Sports

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

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

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

Cal Raleigh’s heroics can’t save Mariners as Orioles complete sweep - The Seattle Times

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

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.

Will Ferrell Developing ‘Eurovision’ Movie Into Broadway Musical - The Hollywood Reporter

the display of bellybuttons

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

Porsche Still Offers The Single Greatest And Possibly Most Excessive Feature In All Of Automobiles - The Autopian

Remember the Hays Code?