Logo

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.

12.06.2025 00:18

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.

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

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.

Can omega-6 fatty acids in nuts, vegetable oils lower heart disease and diabetes risk? - Medical News Today

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Anthropic researchers predict a ‘pretty terrible decade’ for humans as AI could wipe out white collar jobs - Fortune

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

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

Remember the Hays Code?

Patchy Mix is latest 'fraud check' victim as he is battered in UFC 316 debut after claiming he would beat Sean O'Malley - Bloody Elbow

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

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

the display of bellybuttons

This ‘smoke’ ring was formed by one of the biggest creatures on Earth. Scientists say it has never been documented before - BBC Wildlife Magazine

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