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 11:33

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

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

the display of bellybuttons

How can a native English speaker say "it was nice talking to you" in French without using that exact phrase?

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)

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

How could Trump, with his deplorable garbage supporters, manage to win an election?

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

Remember the Hays Code?

In what ways is Bollywood becoming westernized?

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.

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

Dotemu’s CEO on how it makes new games that feel retro - The Verge

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