Logo

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.

08.06.2025 03:09

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.

Remember the Hays Code?

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

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

Pokemon Scarlet And Violet's Free Switch 2 Update Is Now Live - GameSpot

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

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

The Largest Black Hole Jet Ever Found Is 3 Times the Size of the Milky Way - The Daily Galaxy

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

the display of bellybuttons

Will surging sea levels kill the Great Barrier Reef? Ancient coral fossils may hold the answer - The Conversation

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

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

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

Jury In Harvey Weinstein Rape Retrial Set To Start Deliberations Wednesday – Update - Deadline

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