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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.

12.06.2025 06:27

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Switzerland proposes forcing UBS to add $26bn in capital - Financial Times

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

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

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

Paul Skenes Q&A: Pirates ace speaks frankly about lack of run support in quality starts - TribLIVE.com

toilets being shown

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

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

How does a man look at you when he is in love?

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

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

Remember the Hays Code?

What did Chandrashekhar Azad say about Hinduism during a podcast?

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