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: 30.06.2025 08:58
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
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
What are the reasons behind China and Russia's reluctance to integrate into the global economy?
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
Remember the Hays Code?
Can the Beckham brand survive reports of family feud? - BBC
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
Practice Report (6/9): Notes from the sideline - New York Giants
the display of bellybuttons
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
toilets being shown