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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: 17.06.2025 11:22

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.

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

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

Remember the Hays Code?

Why do I sometimes hear full conversations when I am alone?

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

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

the display of bellybuttons

What is the definite integral of x^x from 0 to 2?

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

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

toilets being shown

What made you feel satisfied about your life today?

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

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

What are some cute picnic ideas for a romantic date?

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