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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: 28.06.2025 02:01

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.

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

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

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

Why do liberals and Democrats think it’s “ironic” for Donald Trump to say “We have to get back to law and order”?

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

the display of bellybuttons

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

How likely is it to make a living out of being a window cleaner in a Nordic country?

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

Remember the Hays Code?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

Terraforming Mars: Scientists Reveal the 3-Step Plan to Breathe Life Into a Dead Planet - SciTechDaily

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

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

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

If Iran’s Oil Is Cut Off, China Will Pay the Price - WSJ

toilets being shown