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.

12.06.2025 00:33

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.

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

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

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

Dollar Tree raises red flag about unexpected customer behavior - TheStreet

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

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

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

‘Stick’: Apple’s Golf Comedy Scores on the Charms of Owen Wilson - Rolling Stone

Remember the Hays Code?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Is it common for girlfriends to have close male friends who are single and not related to them?

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

the display of bellybuttons

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

In bed, not in music, which is better, a drummer or a bass player?

toilets being shown