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: 21.06.2025 23:36
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
toilets being shown
Star-shaped brain cells may underpin the brain's massive memory storage - Live Science
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.
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
Once-a-week pill for schizophrenia shows promise in clinical trials - MIT News
Remember the Hays Code?
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Taking five minutes a day to do this can improve happiness, study finds - San Francisco Chronicle
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
the display of bellybuttons
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
The Opener: Teel, Cubs, Tigers, Langeliers - MLB Trade Rumors
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)