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.

Last Updated: 23.06.2025 07:49

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.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

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

Uber announces a life-changing new feature - TheStreet

the display of bellybuttons

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

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

Patti LuPone stuns Broadway as The Apologizer - AV Club

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

toilets being shown

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

Observations From Titans Minicamp on Thursday - Tennessee Titans

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

Remember the Hays Code?

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

Why does Hollywood (except Atilla and Agora) ignore the Late Roman Empire in favour of the early one?

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