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: 01.07.2025 07:13

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.

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

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

What is your experience about Bonamour Sleep Earbuds?

Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.

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

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

36-year-old sold her childhood home in Wisconsin to live and travel in a truck she spent $50,000 renovating: 'I don't have a single regret' - CNBC

Remember the Hays Code?

any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.

toilets being shown

Michigan International Speedway weekend schedule, TV info for NASCAR Cup, Truck, ARCA - NBC Sports

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

Brain Uses Separate Synapses to Balance Learning and Stability - Neuroscience News

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