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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: 20.06.2025 00:52

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.

Remember the Hays Code?

toilets being shown

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

Why do people stay in cults after they have joined?

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

Do Republicans want to ban books and decide what your kids can and can’t read?

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

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

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

Is it true that Jehovah's witnesses once thought the world would end in 1975?

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

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

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

A rare shark is seeking refuge in Miami's Biscayne Bay. Here's why scientists just spent 8 years tracking it - BBC Wildlife Magazine

lustful kissing is to be shown with care