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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 07:00

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)

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

Weber, Morgan health officials warn residents after bat tests positive for rabies - KSL.com

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

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

Ryan Blaney hits right notes in Nashville, lands first Cup Series win of season - NASCAR.com

the display of bellybuttons

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

Remember the Hays Code?

Royals calling up red-hot top prospect Jac Caglianone less than year after being drafted - New York Post

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.

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

Islam is definitely a very anti-LGBTQ religion, so why don't liberals ever stage pro-LGBTQ demonstrations at mosques or at the consulates/embassies of Muslim countries?

toilets being shown