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: 02.07.2025 19:55

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.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

Remember the Hays Code?

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

How would you spank me if I had been sent home from a school camp because of my poor behavior?

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

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

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

What should you do if a police officer comes to your house and asks for someone who doesn't live there anymore?

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

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

the display of bellybuttons

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

toilets being shown

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

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