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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.

08.06.2025 01:20

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.

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.

toilets being shown

If I only have a fire extinguisher to defend myself against some threat from people, should I spray them for max damage or just hit them with the fire extinguishers?

Remember the Hays Code?

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

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

Ryan Blaney hits right notes in Nashville, lands first Cup Series win of season - NASCAR.com

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

What are the most outrageous violations of restaurant buffet etiquette have you seen?

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

Why do some people dislike rap and hip hop music despite there being poor quality music in every genre?

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