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: 03.07.2025 06:10

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.

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

Remember the Hays Code?

the display of bellybuttons

How do you feel about Trump saying Ukraine 'should have never started war with Russia'?

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

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.

Why should you never do drugs? Will this story absolutely shock you?

toilets being shown

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.

South Korea’s opposition leader Lee wins election as voters punish conservatives after martial law chaos - CNN

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)

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

Why are white women so hard to date?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care