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 04:25
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.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
Cocaine Sharks: The Disturbing Discovery That’s Shaking Marine Research - Indian Defence Review
toilets being shown
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
PS5 has a huge price advantage over Xbox and Switch 2 right now - Eurogamer
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
the display of bellybuttons
Can Djokovic climb the mountain? - Roland Garros
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Remember the Hays Code?
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged: