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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: 20.06.2025 01:11

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.

the display of bellybuttons

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

toilets being shown

How do you handle your mother-in-law after you heard her talking badly about you in the next room?

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

Remember the Hays Code?

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

What does it mean if someone asks if it’s pink?

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)

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

What is your opinion on the belief that one can change their life by changing their thoughts and having a positive mindset?

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.

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

Can a bride cheat on her groom at a wedding?

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