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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: 25.06.2025 00:45

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)

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

Royals Promote Jac Caglianone - MLB Trade Rumors

toilets being shown

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Disney makes hundreds more layoffs as it cuts costs - BBC

the display of bellybuttons

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

Remember the Hays Code?

How do you identify a woman player?

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

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

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

Rockies Become 1st Team in Modern MLB History to Lose 50 Games Before Winning 10 Games - Bleacher Report

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