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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: 25.06.2025 07:14

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.

toilets being shown

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

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

If you caught a shoplifter at your yard sale, how would you handle it?

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

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

Rest in Peace Fred Smith, Founder of FedEx (and Maybe the Luckiest Entrepreneur of All Time) - Inc.com

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

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.

What are the top 5 star Michelin restaurants near Pompano Beach, Florida?

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

the display of bellybuttons

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

What happened to everybody's thick skin? It used to be that people really didn't get offended, now however, everybody gets offended by the least little thing.

Remember the Hays Code?