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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 02:09

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

Remember the Hays Code?

toilets being shown

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

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

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

Do crossdressers like wearing pantyliners and tampons in their butts?

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.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

Do you think the beginning of movies is often better than the rest of the film? Is this a common opinion or do others share this view?

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

the display of bellybuttons

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

What sets porcini mushrooms apart from other types of mushrooms, such as button mushrooms?

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