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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: 30.06.2025 00:00

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.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

the display of bellybuttons

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

Scientists find proof that birds nested in the Arctic alongside dinosaurs - Earth.com

Remember 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.

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

What are your thoughts on the trend of Americans labeling themselves as "TikTok refugees" and migrating to the Chinese social media platform RedNote (Xiaohongshu)?

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

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

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

NHL, NHLPA ensure labor peace after agreeing to 4-year extension to CBA through 2030 - Yahoo Sports

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

toilets being shown

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

With 'I Love Lucy' and beyond, Desi Arnaz helped shaped TV as we know it - NPR

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