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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: 29.06.2025 07:57

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.

Remember the Hays Code?

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

The FCC is cracking down on EchoStar’s deployment of 5G. - The Verge

the display of bellybuttons

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:

Invisible radiation leaking from private satellite 'megaconstellations' could ruin radio astronomy forever, experts warn - Live Science

toilets being shown

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

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

Retailers Seen Using Stablecoins to Push Back Against Card Fees - Bloomberg

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)

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

Why is the show The Big Bang Theory so hated?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care