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: 02.07.2025 00:11

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.

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)

Remember the Hays Code?

'I did a bit of a dance': Detectorist finds gold 'mourning ring' engraved with skull and date in UK field - Live Science

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

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.

I discovered the 5 plants that moles hate, to stop them from causing havoc in my backyard - Homes and Gardens

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:

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

Real Madrid vs Pachuca: FIFA Club World Cup – start, team news, lineups - Al Jazeera

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

toilets being shown

the display of bellybuttons

James Cook faces the heat from Bills beat reporters - Buffalo Rumblings

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