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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 05:40

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 display of bellybuttons

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Rory McIlroy makes an 8, barely breaks 80 in missing cut at RBC Canadian Open - NBC Sports

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

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

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

Watch 'superorganism' created by tiny worms — the first time it's ever been spotted in the wild - Live Science

Remember the Hays Code?

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

toilets being shown

Should you have a threesome with your best friend and your significant other if the significant other requests it?

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

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.

Can ringing in the ears be a sign of spiritual awakening?

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