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 16:46
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
What's at the center of Mars? Maybe the stench of rotten eggs - Space
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)
the display of bellybuttons
S&P 500 scores best May since 1990, but stocks end month with fresh tariff worries - MarketWatch
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
Remember the Hays Code?
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
People with COPD had more carbon in their lungs than smokers in study - The Washington Post
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
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
Measles vaccination rates drop after COVID-19 pandemic in counties across the US - AP News
toilets being shown