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: 03.07.2025 01:06

any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
the display of bellybuttons
Why do I feel bad when I see white girls dating black guys, am I racist?
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
toilets being shown
Remember the Hays Code?
Advice for trying GLP-1 drugs for weight loss from a doctor who's been there - NPR
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
2025 Chiefs Training Camp Presented by Mosaic Life Care - Kansas City Chiefs
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people