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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: 21.06.2025 02:07

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

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

Remember the Hays Code?

How do you write a letter to your uncle who sent you money for your birthday outfit?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

the display of bellybuttons

Why do men like to have sex with a woman's ass?

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

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

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

How do I stop someone from forcing/pestering me to become gay/bisexual when I already want to be straight?

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

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.

If you received hand-me-downs as a child, how did they make you feel?

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