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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: 25.06.2025 03:50

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.

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.

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

Why do some young mothers trick a guy into believing that they're pregnant and it's their child when years later they find out that it's not even theirs should he still pay child support or not?

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

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:

Upcoming Telescope Predicted to Discover Millions of Hidden Solar System Objects - Gizmodo

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

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

Is it very wrong to want to spend some time with husband after continuous work for 5 days in a weekend because my husband thinks if we go out every weekend what night my parents and other family members think?

the display of bellybuttons

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

Remember the Hays Code?

Can you explain the difference between a shower cap and a hair bonnet?

toilets being shown