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 10:16

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.

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.

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

What are the reasons behind Europeans preferring to visit third world countries over taking holidays in their own continent?

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

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.

Gold overtakes euro as global reserve asset, ECB says - Financial Times

Remember the Hays Code?

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

Is it helpful to justify the reason for a breakup when ending a relationship?

the display of bellybuttons

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

toilets being shown

What types of jobs can you get in marketing?

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