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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: 20.06.2025 00:26

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.

Remember the Hays Code?

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

the display of bellybuttons

What are the causes of over sweating?

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

What would happen if the US government told the British government in no uncertain terms all RAF bases with USAF personnel now must follow the Constitution and us law, and if the UK tried to defy this, the US military would directly attack the UK?

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

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

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

What sexual experience did you have at a highway rest area?

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

toilets being shown

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

Do airline pilots try to avoid turbulence? How can you tell if your flight has been rerouted due to weather conditions or other factors?

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

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