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.
12.06.2025 01:20
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
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)
Utah’s quiet measles case: what happened and why officials stayed silent - KSLTV.com
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Aussie firms Soul Patts and Brickworks' $9 billion merger sends their shares rocketing - CNBC
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
the display of bellybuttons
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
Accidental discovery at New York planetarium unlocks secret into universe’s inner workings - PBS
Remember the Hays Code?
toilets being shown
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people