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 03:37
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
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lustful kissing is to be shown with care
toilets being shown
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
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disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
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.
Remember the Hays Code?