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: 22.06.2025 01:10

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.

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

toilets being shown

What nonsense did you hear today in India that made you laugh?

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

the display of bellybuttons

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

Why do men always bring up “the draft” (the last military draft was in 1972) when abortion rights are being discussed? - are they advocating that women ought to owe our bodies to the government? Should anyone owe their body to the state?

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

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

The stage is set for Sunday drama at the US Open as Sam Burns leads Adam Scott and J.J. Spaun by one stroke - CNN

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

Remember the Hays Code?

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

Dolorum fugit ut molestiae voluptatem minima non.

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