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: 26.06.2025 00:20
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
Federal judge clears way for NYC broker fee ban to begin - Gothamist
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
toilets being shown
Remember the Hays Code?
Trump Questioned Extent Of Musk’s DOGE Cuts, Report Says - Forbes
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
iFixit is retroactively giving the Nintendo Switch a 4/10 on repairability - The Verge
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
the display of bellybuttons
Reddit user surprised when 1960s computer panel emerged from collapsed family garage - Ars Technica
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.