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.

09.06.2025 03:27

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?

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.

Milky Way galaxy might not collide with Andromeda after all - Ars Technica

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.

Overthinking is killing me day-by-day. What should I do?

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

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

the display of bellybuttons

Chinese-Owned Company Halts Work on Factory to Make Batteries in U.S. - WSJ

toilets being shown

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

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

Worms Caught Creating Superorganisms in the Wild for the First Time - Indian Defence Review

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