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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: 26.06.2025 08:56

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.

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

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

If Delta Force soldiers wanted to form a criminal gang, how dangerous would they be with all their equipment (explosives, rifles, vests, night vision goggles)?

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Genetic and biological clues point to inflammation’s role in mental health - PsyPost

toilets being shown

Remember the Hays Code?

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

An Interview With A Terminated Analyst At The Substance Abuse And Mental Health Administration - Defector

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)

the display of bellybuttons

Which document should be pointed out to a holocaust denier?

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