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: 02.07.2025 00:11

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.

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

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

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

Stretching across 7.6 sextillion miles of space, astronomers crown it the new 'largest structure in the universe' - Earth.com

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

Remember the Hays Code?

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

Kidd leaving Mavericks for Knicks almost forced Nico Harrison into another awful move - The Smoking Cuban

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

the display of bellybuttons

NFL Declines Comment on Viral Video of Patriots' Stefon Diggs Partying on Boat - Bleacher Report

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

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

toilets being shown

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