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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: 20.06.2025 16:56

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 display of bellybuttons

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

toilets being shown

Do women lack the mental strength to succeed at STEM? There seems to be few women at STEM and more women leave STEM after a time of working at it. How can it be just sexism if women aren't banned from entering?

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Why do British people always write "xxx" after their names?

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

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

Remember the Hays Code?

Did Muhammad Ali ask Dundee to cut his gloves off before Eddie Futch stopped the fight in Thrilla in Manila?

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.

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

Are you afraid to get married and why?

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