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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 03:05

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.

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

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

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

What thing happened to you as a child that you haven’t let go of to this day?

the display of bellybuttons

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Should parents be allowed to bring children into R-rated movies? What are the potential consequences of doing so?

toilets being shown

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

Why do I randomly start sweating a lot in public (while waiting in line, in a new class, etc.) then start sweating more because I’m embarrassed that I’m sweating so much? Is this social anxiety?

Remember the Hays Code?

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

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

If Republicans say that Biden goes to shower with his daughter, how do Democrats support it?

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