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: 02.07.2025 07:30

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.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

Remember the Hays Code?

the display of bellybuttons

Chrysler Is 100 Years Old, and It's 'Back On,' Stellantis Design Boss Gilles Says - Road & Track

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

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

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

Do you suck dicks with no reciprocation?

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

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

Did Harry and Meghan really get what they wanted?

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

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

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

Surprised scientists discover the 'dark sides' of Uranus' moons are the wrong way around - Live Science

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