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: 18.06.2025 17:39
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
disrespect of authority figures. Crooked judges are OK if they are also clearly portrayed as evil people
Why do Indian parents force their kids to do stuff?
the display of bellybuttons
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
toilets being shown
How do you cope when your mother doesn't love you?
lustful kissing is to be shown with care
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
Which bands became massively popular for covering songs rather than recording originals?
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.
any profanity to the Christian religion, e.g. hell, damn, God (unless used in a holy sense), or ridicule of the clergy.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
Can you tell me something about yourself?
Remember the Hays Code?