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: 27.06.2025 08:20
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.
toilets being shown
What is something brutally honest that needs to be said?
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Remember the Hays Code?
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
the display of bellybuttons
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
Have you ever had sex with your mother-in-law? If so, how was it and did your wife ever find out?
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
Chris Conley announces his retirement - NBC Sports
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.