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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.

09.06.2025 00:53

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.

Remember the Hays Code?

the display of bellybuttons

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

Have you ever been a victim of gaslighting? What happened?

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

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

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

Sega Throws Shade At Mario Kart While Showing Off Sonic Racing: Crossworlds - Kotaku

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

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

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

Scientists Successfully Simulate Bizarre Phenomenon Where "Light Appears to be Generated from Darkness - The Debrief

toilets being shown

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

Have you ever had a bad gut feeling about someone and it was right?

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