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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: 22.06.2025 10:08

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.

the display of bellybuttons

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

Listen to the eerie sounds of Mars recorded by a NASA rover - Mashable

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

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

A Salute to Brian Wilson: Darian Sahanaja on Growing Up on Brian, Then Basking in His Musical Inner Circle for a Quarter-Century - Variety

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

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

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

A common herb shows promise for boosting brain health and fighting Alzheimer’s - PsyPost

toilets being shown

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

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

How is Sola Scriptura incoherent?

Remember the Hays Code?