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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.

12.06.2025 02:43

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.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

toilets being shown

Alabama reports its first 2025 case of this dangerous virus - AL.com

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

Remember the Hays Code?

the display of bellybuttons

Why did you put a guy’s dick in your mouth the first time?

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:

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

What is the nastiest thing you had your wife do and she loved it?

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

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

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

What are the most significant instances of romantic jealousy in the Harry Potter series?

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