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: 02.07.2025 02:58

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.

couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)

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

Off-the-shelf stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes continues to show positive results - STAT

disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people

For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.

Remember the Hays Code?

Is Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen good for oily skin?

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.

any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.

Schizophrenia is the price we pay for minds poised near the edge of a cliff - Hacker News

nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)

toilets being shown

Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:

Sea spiders found farming methane-eating microbes in cultivated biofilm - Phys.org

Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.