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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.

12.06.2025 08:51

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.

Remember the Hays Code?

toilets being shown

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

What is a fun psychological trick to try on someone?

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.

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

Gut's energy crisis: How metabolism is severely disrupted in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases - Medical Xpress

the display of bellybuttons

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Did your siblings abuse you growing up? Not your parents, specifically your siblings, or other children in the household you were raised with.

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

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

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

How did Nickelback gain a large fan base despite criticism of their music?

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