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.
10.06.2025 00:56
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
How are you spending your best time?
the display of bellybuttons
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
Milky Way galaxy might not collide with Andromeda after all - Ars Technica
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
Remember the Hays Code?
What was your best sex experience that still makes you horny?
toilets being shown
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
Accidental discovery at New York planetarium unlocks secret into universe’s inner workings - PBS
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged: