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: 24.06.2025 02:31

nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
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.
Injuries force USMNT to make roster changes as the Gold Cup nears - The Washington Post
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Remember the Hays Code?
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
What kind of lights would you like to use for your home decor?
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
toilets being shown
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
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.
the display of bellybuttons