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 06:50

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.

Remember the Hays Code?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Canadian Robot Finds a Weight Beneath the Ocean Equivalent to 250 Million Elephants - Jason Deegan

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

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.

You found a love potion, and your friend tried to use it on an attractive popular girl, but he accidentally dropped it on the neighbors dog. Now the dog won't stop following him. How would you help him?

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

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

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

Pro-AI Subreddit Bans 'Uptick' of Users Who Suffer from AI Delusions - 404 Media

toilets being shown

the display of bellybuttons

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

‘Ballerina’ Dances To $3.75M+ In Previews & Great 93% Audience Score Equal To ‘John Wick 4’; ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Crosses $300M+ – Friday AM Box Office Update - Deadline

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