Logo

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.

08.06.2025 00:39

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.

nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)

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.

Why does my crush make me jealous about having a girlfriend?

sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.

the display of bellybuttons

disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people

Why are right-wing commentators spreading conspiracy theories about Haitians eating local pets in Springfield, Ohio?

For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.

couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)

The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.

Physicists observe a new form of magnetism for the first time - Phys.org

Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

toilets being shown

What is music publishing?

Remember the Hays Code?