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: 18.06.2025 05:53
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.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
Can I use the LEG PRESS to build muscle?
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)
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Why do men choose to marry a plain Jane woman over a pretty woman?
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
toilets being shown
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
I supercharged Google search with a three-key shortcut with custom results - Android Police
the display of bellybuttons