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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 01:24

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.

the display of bellybuttons

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

What is your review of working in EY?

Remember the Hays Code?

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)

Why is the word "democracy" not in the preamble of the US Constitution?

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

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

toilets being shown

The Tyrese Haliburton Conundrum - The Ringer

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

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

AI Finally Cracks Decades-Long Mars Mystery That Has Baffled Scientists - The Daily Galaxy

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