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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: 23.06.2025 09:51

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.

toilets being shown

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Bettor banned for heckling Olympic star Thomas - ESPN

the display of bellybuttons

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

Remember the Hays Code?

Inbox: This will be a tough roster to crack - Green Bay Packers

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

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:

Why are there so many illegal Haitians in Ohio? They can't walk here. Democrats flew them here to cause chaos and crime in Ohio.

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

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

Kelley Wolf hospitalized by officers 'against my will' days after revealing divorce - USA Today

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