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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.

09.06.2025 06:05

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.

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

toilets being shown

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

Winners, losers from NASCAR Cup race at Nashville won by Ryan Blaney - NBC Sports

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

From Trader Joe’s to Children’s Hospital, these are the Colorado locations where you could have been exposed to measles - The Denver Post

Remember 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.

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

What Wilson said about Logan Gilbert’s second rehab start - Seattle Sports

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

What happens if someone fills up their car at the pump but leaves without paying? How is this situation typically handled?

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