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 08:47
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.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
toilets being shown
the display of bellybuttons
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
How long does it typically take for prices to return to normal after tariffs are removed?
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
What are examples of real life forced feminization?
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
Remember the Hays Code?
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
I Discovered I Got Cheated On. But His Story About That Night Isn’t Adding Up. - Slate Magazine
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.