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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.

08.06.2025 01:06

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.

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

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

Can you write a short story with a twist ending?

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

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

I told my 13-year-old daughter that she should never start a fight, but has my permission to end it. She got suspended for ending a fight that some other girl picked with her by hitting her then retreating. How do I handle the school’s response?

toilets being shown

Remember the Hays Code?

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

Europe stock markets fall after Trump doubles steel tariffs - CNBC

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

the display of bellybuttons

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

Is Veuve Clicquot Brut a good champagne?

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