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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.

13.06.2025 00:05

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.

Remember the Hays Code?

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

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

As an atheist don't you really feel fear for committing sins which are not violating national laws?

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

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

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

Erin Patterson tells murder trial exotic mushrooms 'have more flavour' - BBC

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

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

Why do British people always write "xxx" after their names?

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

toilets being shown

the display of bellybuttons

Why do so many men on the internet try to compete with women, or try to "humble" and bash them? There's so many videos across my tiktok and YouTube of men claiming how they're wanting to get back at women and put them in thier place.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care