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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: 29.06.2025 10:44

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.

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

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

Do conservative white women like black men?

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.

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

Tommy Fleetwood has touching moment with wife after crushing $3.6 million Travelers Championship finish - New York Post

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

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

She was a Disney star with platinum records, but Bridgit Mendler gave it up to change the world - Ars Technica

toilets being shown

Remember the Hays Code?

the display of bellybuttons

The U.S. hasn’t seen a new confirmed human bird flu case in nearly 4 months — why? - Yahoo

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