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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 00:36

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.

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

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

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

"People don't even like him": Musk becomes GOP pariah after "ridiculous" Trump attacks - Axios

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

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

toilets being shown

Harvard Asks For Summary Judgment in Funding Case, Says White House Pushed Cuts Despite Agency Objections - The Harvard Crimson

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

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

Remember the Hays Code?

Sabrina Carpenter Shares New Song “Manchild”: Listen - Pitchfork

the display of bellybuttons

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

Samsung is struggling to sell the Galaxy S25 Edge - SamMobile

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