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.

12.06.2025 02:32

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.

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.

Jennie Garth 'Never Felt More Confident' as She Poses In First Underwear Photoshoot at 53 - TooFab

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.

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

Dow Jones Futures Rise, Broadcom Falls After Tesla Crashes On Musk-Trump Feud - Investor's Business Daily

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

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

Remember the Hays Code?

What is something you saw while on an airplane that you couldn't believe?

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

toilets being shown

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

Diabetes drug shows benefits for patients with liver disease - Medical Xpress

lustful kissing is to be shown with care