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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.

10.06.2025 02:48

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.

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

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

Long, dark 'streaks' spotted on Mars aren't what scientists thought - Live Science

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

Remember the Hays Code?

the display of bellybuttons

Dear atheist, do you realise that there is a God watching over you who will one day judge and condemn you for every wrong thing you have said and done before casting you into the lake of fire?

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

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.

Can anyone or anything overthrow your belief in the Jewish God?

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

toilets being shown

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

New theory could finally make ‘quantum gravity’ a reality – and prove Einstein wrong - BBC Science Focus Magazine

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