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.

11.06.2025 00:13

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.

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

the display of bellybuttons

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

Starliner future plans still in limbo - SpaceNews

toilets being shown

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.

Why do siblings (or other close relatives) stop visiting each other as they grow older? Why does this happen with so many people nowadays?

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

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?

What do you do to make yourself sleep early?

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Men are more likely than women to die of broken heart syndrome, study finds - CNN

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