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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: 21.06.2025 03:30

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.

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

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

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

Why is the concept of pumping water uphill not commonly used as a source of electricity generation, similar to pumped-hydro systems?

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

toilets being shown

the display of bellybuttons

Ananda Lewis, Celebrated MTV VJ, Dead at 52 - Rolling Stone

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

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

Astronomers baffled by mystery object flashing signals at Earth every 44 minutes: 'Like nothing we've ever seen' - New York Post

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

Remember the Hays Code?

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

Double Speak About NASA Science - NASA Watch

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