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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: 25.06.2025 09:58

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)

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

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

Jonathan Tah self-critical after gaffe in Bayern Munich’s 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors in Club World Cup - Bavarian Football Works

the display of bellybuttons

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

toilets being shown

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

Remember the Hays Code?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

What were some things that the ancient Greeks excelled at compared to the Romans?

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

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.

Why did my ex move on so quickly?

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