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.
10.06.2025 01:28
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.
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
What one thing makes someone a very mature person?
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
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
Walkoff caps ‘unreal 24 hours’ for Mariners’ Cole Young - Seattle Sports
toilets being shown
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
Remember the Hays Code?
New Ubisoft Game Shutting Down Permanently in 48 Hours - ComicBook.com
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people