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: 26.06.2025 04:24
Remember the Hays Code?
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
What is something you want to "get off your chest"?
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
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.
Why aren't F1 cars popular on the street?
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
toilets being shown
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
Procter & Gamble says it will cut 7,000 jobs over the next 2 years - CBS News
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
the display of bellybuttons
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
Why the U.S. tax bill's Section 899 could push European firms to list in the U.S. - CNBC
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)