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 01:46
Remember the Hays Code?
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
RFK Jr. purges every vaccine adviser on CDC panel; will pick replacements - The Washington Post
toilets being shown
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
the display of bellybuttons
Toyota Industries' shares nosedive on $33 billion buyout deal — steepest fall in 10 months - CNBC
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
Hailee Steinfeld & Josh Allen marry in west coast ceremony - Buffalo Rumblings
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
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.
All international travelers should get measles vaccinations, CDC says - AP News
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.