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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: 22.06.2025 00:11

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.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Scoop: Treasury officials defend "revenge tax" from wary GOP senators - Axios

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

toilets being shown

2 dead in Las Vegas Strip shooting, with suspect known but not yet arrested, police say - ABC News

Remember the Hays Code?

the display of bellybuttons

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

Carlos Alcaraz praised for showing 'insane sportsmanship' during his French Open match against Ben Shelton - The Tennis Gazette

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

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

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

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 163 — The Trials of Starship - Space

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