Good observations, Carolyn. I think my students had the same reactions when I told them they wouldn't be able to get into rated R movies in the US. They were shocked.

I agree with a poster from above that American parents really do want to protect their kids from the "evils" of sex. Broken relationships, loss of innocence, and pregnancy seem to be the biggest worries. And maybe this is a good thing as preventing all of those seems to open the door to a higher living standard in the future and more opportunities for women.

I think post-communist Bulgaria is more open about sex compared to the US. From chalga to fashion, everything screams sex in BG. I find it interesting that it's this way yet birthrates are extremely low. I know condoms are kind of expensive for Bulgarians and I didn't know of many women on birth control. Makes you wonder.

But I also agree with your mom. People grinding and having sex on American TV is hardly uncommon. From Grey's to the new 90210 to Gossip Girl, someone usually "does it" every episode. (I know these shows because of my sister-in-law, who watches all the time. haha)