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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 14:58

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.

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

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

I always feel very tired after I do some exercises, even after a night's sleep. What's the problem?

toilets being shown

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

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

Microsoft currently isn’t offering physical pre-orders of Gears of War: Reloaded on Xbox, just PS5 - Eurogamer

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.

the display of bellybuttons

Mariska Hargitay Was Accidentally Left Behind at the Scene of the Car Wreck That Killed Her Mom Jayne Mansfield - People.com

Remember the Hays Code?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Google AI Mode traffic data added to Search Console reporting - Search Engine Land

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