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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.

13.06.2025 00:38

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 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

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

Can you show pictures of your penis, big or small?

toilets being shown

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

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

Were Dalits prohibited from drinking water from wells in ancient times? Is there any evidence to support this claim?

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)

Why can't white people just surrender their white privilege?

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

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

Remember the Hays Code?

Why didn't my ex fight for our relationship? He gave up so easily.

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