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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: 17.06.2025 03:01

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 display of bellybuttons

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

Why do wives cheat with black guys?

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

toilets being shown

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

If James Bond is meant to be the best secret agent in the world, how come all the bad guys in the World seem to know who he is?

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:

What is the significance of Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader in Major League Baseball, who just passed away?

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

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

Which Bibles can one read and be confident they are reading the inerrant word of God?

Remember the Hays Code?