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 09:17

disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
What kinds of books should a 19 years old girl read?
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
What is something you saw while on an airplane that you couldn't believe?
toilets being shown
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Remember the Hays Code?
NY retail worker safety law takes effect this week. Here’s what it does. - Gothamist
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
the display of bellybuttons
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
What did your sister do to you that you can never forget?
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.