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: 28.06.2025 01:12
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
toilets being shown
I'm British and I hate my glasses. Are prescription glasses better in New York City?
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Remember the Hays Code?
Angelina Jolie And Brad Pitt’s Daughter Shiloh Reintroduces Herself With New Name - HuffPost
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
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.
Campbell’s Snack Business Struggles as Consumers Get Pickier About Food Spending - WSJ
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
All the ways Apple TV boxes do—and mostly don’t—track you - Ars Technica
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)