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: 02.07.2025 02:07

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)

toilets being shown

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

'Happy Days' star Henry Winkler took Marlee Matlin in after difficult relationship with William Hurt - AOL.com

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.

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

How often should you use red light therapy?

Remember the Hays Code?

the display of bellybuttons

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

Why do good-looking men date homely women?

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Grandfather's simple changes reversed pre-diabetes diagnosis that left him 'petrified' - AOL.com

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