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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 23:52

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.

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

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

the display of bellybuttons

New Jersey Man Arrested for Stealing Instruments From Heart - Rolling Stone

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Remember the Hays Code?

Why did Donald Trump and Melania Trump sleep in different rooms?

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

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.

‘Yellowstone’ Star Cole Hauser Talks Directing, Bull Riding and Cowboy Future - The Hollywood Reporter

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

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

toilets being shown

Menopause Drug Reduces Breast Cancer Growth In Clinical Trial - ScienceAlert

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