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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.

09.06.2025 07:33

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.

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

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

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

Astronomers are stunned after the quiet development of the largest telescope ever built in China. - Farmingdale Observer

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

NYC’s Noisy Skies Get Electric With Beta’s Demo Flight Into JFK - Bloomberg.com

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

Remember the Hays Code?

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

How should you handle a situation where your friend tells you they like someone who also likes you? Should you tell them or continue as normal?

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

the display of bellybuttons

toilets being shown

Why do I sweat (mostly on face) when I eat usually spicy food?

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