Logo

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 00:13

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.

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

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

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

Can a barracuda kill a human?

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

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

the display of bellybuttons

Do you think there will ever be a movie that features a line such as “You graduated at the top of your class in liberal arts, we need your help”?

The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.

lustful kissing is to be shown with care

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

Everything Apple Announced at WWDC 2025 - WIRED

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

toilets being shown

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

What do you think of India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw comparing the Indian government's efforts to build a localised AI model to sending a mission to the moon at a fraction of the cost?

Remember the Hays Code?

Read also: