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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: 28.06.2025 01:33

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.

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

Remember the Hays Code?

I've never read the book. What did Dorian Grey do that was so immoral and sinful?

toilets being shown

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:

When a black man and a white woman have a child, does the child become white? If a white man and a black woman have a child, does the child become black?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

the display of bellybuttons

Ryan Mountcastle To Miss 8-12 Weeks - MLB Trade Rumors

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.

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

These Diabetes Drugs Are Finding New Life as an Antiaging Hack - WSJ

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