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.
09.06.2025 02:43
Meanwhile, the rest of the world still sniggers at American prudishness.
For 34 years, movie and TV studios censored themselves to appease the Puritanical whims of Will Hays.
nudity, or even suggestions of it (e.g. a silhouette)
Why do doctors refuse HRT to menopausal women but hand them out to trans people?
Some ridiculous highlights of the code in effect banned or discouraged:
the display of bellybuttons
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
couples in the same bed, even if married. (Laurel and Hardy came before the code)
toilets being shown
Guy Hears Cries During Hailstorm — Then Saves An Entire Family - The Dodo - For Animal People
sexual perversion, including homosexuality (naturally), and sexual relationships between the white and black races.
Remember 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.
What's an underrated/unknown novel or series that you think deserves more attention?
The ridiculous 2004 Superbowl ‘Nipplegate’ was a more recent reminder of how US attitudes have not really advanced much since the Hays code.