Do you think it's true that the British have a more laid back attitude to sex than the Americans? If so, why do you think this is?

Given that there is an absolute furore if a female nipple is seen on US television and the fact that Answerbag cannot allow an avatar that shows a naked female breast (even though it's too small to see in any detail) because of US laws, I would have to say that it's absolutely true.

I imagine that the reason is the influence of fundamental Christians, which is very strange when you consider the much-vaunted separation of church and state in the USA.

There are many cross cultural divides that you have to explore before you can answer such a question - I dont think it is that we Brits have a more laid back attitude to sex its just that we recognise that kids are gonna do it regardless of our moralisitc attitudes. Ethically then we have a responsibility to educate them about what their bodies are naturally going to lead them to do. I would much rather know that my kids understand the implications of sex and that my daughter particularly learns how to respect her sexuality, than to send them into the big wide world hampered by a host of taboos which are unrealistic to live with.

Through recent observations I think this is definetely true. The following questions sound quite silly to British ears. I've also noticed that US parents seem to get very strict with their children and have discussions about the "right age to start dating" which would be considered over the top by many British parents.

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view.php/67811

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view.php/65572

Sex just seems like a much bigger deal over there than it does over here. I can't really explain why, other than perhaps its something to do with a) a different age of consent, and b) more religious influences in society.

I would be interested to know if anyone else has any similar observations, and why they think this might be.