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.
09.06.2025 03:27
Remember the Hays Code?
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
the display of bellybuttons
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
What does it mean when a British person says "I can't be asked"?
toilets being shown
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
Rihanna’s Father, Ronald Fenty, Dies at 70: Report - Billboard
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Vienna calling: Strauss's 'Blue Danube' waltzes into outer space - Phys.org
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.