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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.

13.06.2025 10:29

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.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.

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

Is it ok for someone to crossdress in public?

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

the display of bellybuttons

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

What role did China play in the signing of the "Beijing Declaration" between Fatah and Hamas? What other information is worth noting for talks among Palestinian factions in Beijing?

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

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

toilets being shown

Why do so many people like life?

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.

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

Does the pro-choice movement realise that all the money used to subside abortions can be used to subsidize daycare and other financial support for single mothers with unplanned pregnancies?

Remember the Hays Code?