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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.

15.06.2025 12:50

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.

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

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

How mentally ill are Republicans who think Trump is mentally sane? He literally said immigrants eat pets.

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

toilets being shown

How can I help my cat adjust to sleeping in its own room after allowing it to sleep with us as a kitten?

the display of bellybuttons

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.

What are some other ways to respond to someone saying "thank you" besides "de rien" or "vous êtes bienvenue"?

Remember the Hays Code?

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

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

How did Nickelback gain a large fan base despite criticism of their music?

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