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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: 17.06.2025 02:57

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)

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

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

Why do humans sweat while stressed?

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

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

What baseball stories from the early days of the sport seem too bizarre to be true?

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

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

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

Remember the Hays Code?

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

What’s the craziest thing you’ve heard pretending to be asleep?

toilets being shown