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: 03.07.2025 05:06

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

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

What To Expect in the Markets This Week - Investopedia

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Brad Pitt Recalls First AA Meeting After Angeline Jolie Divorce: 'I Needed to Wake the F-ck Up' - Rolling Stone

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

Remember the Hays Code?

toilets being shown

Thin, Light and Built to Last: The New Era of the Galaxy Z Series - Samsung Newsroom

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

People Are Sharing Things America Actually Gets Right, And It's Surprisingly Heartwarming To Read - BuzzFeed

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