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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 09:05

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.

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

Was there any slavery of white people that actually compares to the transatlantic slave trade? I’m not baiting or anything actually genuinely curious and want to know.

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

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

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

Why are right-wing commentators spreading conspiracy theories about Haitians eating local pets in Springfield, Ohio?

Remember the Hays Code?

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

toilets being shown

What's an uncomfortable truth you've learned to accept?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

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

My ex moved on so fast. How can I overcome the pain?

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