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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: 19.06.2025 12:37

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.

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

the display of bellybuttons

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Remember the Hays Code?

toilets being shown

In Italy, how do people greet each other when they meet for the first time (e.g., on the street)? What's a good response to that greeting if you're not from Italy or don't speak Italian fluently yet?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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