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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: 16.06.2025 01:19

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.

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

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

Why do some children hate their parents?

Remember the Hays Code?

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

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

Why do I randomly start sweating a lot in public (while waiting in line, in a new class, etc.) then start sweating more because I’m embarrassed that I’m sweating so much? Is this social anxiety?

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

What is price of the "liberal celebrities" e.g. Bill Maher, Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, Trevor Noah, Jimmy Kimmel, Desi Lydic etc. to join the great MAGA movement like Stephen Colbert who wanted to European ambassadorship to turn back on "the Left"?

toilets being shown

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

What can I say to a scammer who thinks he loves me, but I don't want to be scammed?

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