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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.

10.06.2025 09:25

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.

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

NYC summer stargazing seasons kicks off with triangle, meteor showers - Gothamist

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

toilets being shown

Remember the Hays Code?

Why doesn't speeding significantly decrease one’s commute time? I've done a lot of road trips and driving and have experimented by increasing speed by 10–20%, but somehow this never equates to arriving 20% sooner, even on clear roads.

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

Is it very wrong to want to spend some time with husband after continuous work for 5 days in a weekend because my husband thinks if we go out every weekend what night my parents and other family members think?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

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

Why is it rare for someone to despise both the Democrats and Republicans?

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