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.
08.06.2025 02:31

Remember the Hays Code?
the display of bellybuttons
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
New Jersey Man Arrested for Stealing Instruments From Heart - Rolling Stone
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
Tucker Barnhart Elects Free Agency - MLB Trade Rumors
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
Why do very skinny girls get more male attention if it is true that men like curves?
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
Farewell, Mr. Eclipse: Fred Espenak dies at 71 - Astronomy Magazine
toilets being shown