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: 22.06.2025 11:57

couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
the display of bellybuttons
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
Remember the Hays Code?
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
What is the difference in doing a hot rail and just smoking a bowl?
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Rikishi calls for WWE writers to be fired for botching Jey Uso’s world title run - Cageside Seats
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
toilets being shown
What is “AI upscaling” in video game development?
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.