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: 26.06.2025 13:09
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.
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toilets being shown
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
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nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
What was your best experience of having your navel touched?
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.