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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.

11.06.2025 01:29

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.

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

toilets being shown

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

How would you describe modern day Russian society, beyond just politics?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

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

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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?

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

How is sex with a woman for gay men?

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

the display of bellybuttons

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

How can a native English speaker say "it was nice talking to you" in French without using that exact phrase?

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