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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: 29.06.2025 03:55

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.

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.

DC-area pediatrician on CDC urging summer camp operators to screen for measles immunity - WTOP

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

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)

Dakota Johnson Uses Tissue to Cover Cleavage Amid Wardrobe Malfunction - Yahoo

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

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

Remember the Hays Code?

Do people of NYC drive around Central Park all the time? Is there any subway tunnel to cross the park quickly? Is it annoying for people and does it cause traffic?

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

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

the display of bellybuttons

The Goofus in Charge of HBO Max Is Out of Ideas—and It’s a Crisis for American Culture - Slate Magazine

toilets being shown