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: 03.07.2025 00:53
Remember the Hays Code?
the display of bellybuttons
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
'2nd Jupiter' exoplanet seen 60 light-years away photo of the day for June 23, 2025 - Space
toilets being shown
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
AI Is Coming for Your Job, Much Faster Than Anyone Thought - Decrypt
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
What was the worst thing that ever happened on live TV?
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.