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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.

12.06.2025 08:44

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.

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

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)

If I get served by someone else's papers, am I legally required to inform the person that they got served, or the court that they served the wrong person?

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

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

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

How do you get a teenage boy to care about hygiene?

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

Why some allergy experts want this popular group of drugs to go away - Deseret News

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

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

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

When did you realize that your childhood was not normal?

Remember the Hays Code?