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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: 28.06.2025 03:20

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.

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

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

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

Does turmeric help fight cancer? If so, how?

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

Pacific sediment cores unlock millions of years of climate history - Earth.com

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

toilets being shown

Physicists force atoms into state of quantum 'hyper-entanglement' using tweezers made of laser light - Live Science

Remember the Hays Code?

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

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

Why are you a Muslim? Why is it Islam for you and not something else?

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