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.

Last Updated: 25.06.2025 18:33

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.

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.

Remember the Hays Code?

What makes someone feel "rich enough" in different societies?

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

the display of bellybuttons

When a black man and a white woman have a child, does the child become white? If a white man and a black woman have a child, does the child become black?

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

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

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

An 'invisible threat': Swarm of hidden 'city killer' asteroids around Venus could one day collide with Earth, simulations show - Live Science

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

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.

India's central bank beats market expectations to deliver an outsized rate cut of 50 points - CNBC

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