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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 08:15

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.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Why do some women alter their faces by so-called cosmetic surgeries (on their eyes, cheeks, lips, chin, jaw) that making them look like Donald Duck or puffy aliens, while for most men these unnatural facial changes are ridiculous or even disgusting?

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

What are my 10 favorite rock record album opening tracks?

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

Remember the Hays Code?

toilets being shown

Carlos Alcaraz praised for showing 'insane sportsmanship' during his French Open match against Ben Shelton - The Tennis Gazette

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)

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

Why is the US going after Canada after all? What is the reason for all this hostility?

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