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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: 27.06.2025 06:25

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.

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

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the display of bellybuttons

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

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

How can a 54-year-old man build muscle without using steroids?

Remember the Hays Code?

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

toilets being shown

Scientists make jaw-dropping find after drilling more than 1,500 feet into Antarctic ice: 'We even discovered a school of lobster-like creatures' - The Cool Down

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.

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

27 Celebrities Before And After Getting Cosmetic Work Done - BuzzFeed

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