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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.

11.06.2025 11:10

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.

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

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

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

What are the potential economic consequences of the U.S. following Europe's lead on climate policies, as discussed in the article?

Remember the Hays Code?

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

2025 NFL All-Paid Team: Saquon Barkley, Dak Prescott headline top earners by position - NFL.com

toilets being shown

the display of bellybuttons

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

If you get a chance to have sex with either Kajal Agarwal or Samantha, who would you choose and why?

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

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

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

Do you agree with Pete Hegseth's comment that Obama created a moral divide between military and civilian life?

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