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: 02.07.2025 09:13
Remember the Hays Code?
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
Why do some people dislike Gilmore girls?
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
How did Madri, mother of Nakula and Sahadeva die?
the display of bellybuttons
toilets being shown
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
Chinese Biotech Showcases Challenger to Eli Lilly’s Obesity Drug - Bloomberg.com
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.