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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: 19.06.2025 11:01

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.

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.

the display of bellybuttons

Why is Eric Clapton so roundly disliked among guitarists?

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

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

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

How would you respond to Rep. Nancy Mace's claim that the GOP platform is more in line with what the American people want compared to the left?

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

toilets being shown

Would you let your partner cheat on you every now and again?

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

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

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

Why do some people prefer watching movies than reading novels even if they are both based on the same source material (book)?

Remember the Hays Code?