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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.

10.06.2025 23:57

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?

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

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

Australia on the verge of qualification - FIFA

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

the display of bellybuttons

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

Do all you people that took the "jab" feel lied to yet?

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

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 nearly all of the answers on Quora have “read more” and when I click on it, I get a virus warning every time? Has anyone else had this happen?

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

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

toilets being shown

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