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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: 27.06.2025 01:17

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.

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

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

Sam Burns leads US Open with 65 and avoids calamity at Oakmont - AP News

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

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

the display of bellybuttons

A rare shark is seeking refuge in Miami's Biscayne Bay. Here's why scientists just spent 8 years tracking it - BBC Wildlife Magazine

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

toilets being shown

In the New Testament, Christ quotes the Ethiopian book of Enoch. How do the Sola Scriptura folks square this circle?

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)

Why do narcissists devour so much sugar (candy, ice cream, donuts, etc., in huge amounts at a time)?

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