Logo

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.

09.06.2025 02:14

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.

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

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

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

Oh Yeah, Ginny & Georgia Is About Murder - Vulture

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

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

The Opener: Teel, Cubs, Tigers, Langeliers - MLB Trade Rumors

toilets being shown

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

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

Winners & Losers From The 2025 NCAA Baseball Tournament Regional Round - Baseball America

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

Remember the Hays Code?

the display of bellybuttons

How could NASA possibly land on the moon when it's impossible to reach the moon through the Earth's dome? Why are they making up such an obvious lie?

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