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.
11.06.2025 07:52
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
the display of bellybuttons
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
toilets being shown
Remember the Hays Code?
Michigan Cup starting lineup: Chase Briscoe wins third pole in a row - NBC Sports
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
Sophia Bush Says She Endured “Every Kind of Abuse” on Show Due to Older Man - The Hollywood Reporter
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.