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: 19.06.2025 00:46
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)
Remember the Hays Code?
What do people aim for when they meditate, and how do they do it properly?
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
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.
What is one small habit that has transformed your life in unexpected ways?
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
toilets being shown
What are the best examples of reverse psychology?
the display of bellybuttons
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people