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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.

11.06.2025 17:45

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.

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Why do people love to live alone in a house?

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

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

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

What are rare earth minerals, and why are they central to Trump’s trade war? - CNN

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:

the display of bellybuttons

The FDA Launches Its Generative-AI Tool, Elsa, Ahead of Schedule - Gizmodo

toilets being shown

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

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

Tyler Perry Calls Out Hollywood Studios at BET Awards: “This Is Not the Time to Be Silent” - The Hollywood Reporter

Remember the Hays Code?