Hays Code

Definition

The Hays Code, officially known as the Motion Picture Production Code, was a set of industry guidelines for the self-censorship of films in the United States from the early 1930s until the late 1960s. It aimed to ensure that films adhered to moral standards, impacting how various subjects, including LGBTQ+ portrayals, were presented on screen. This code established rules regarding acceptable content, which often led to the suppression or distortion of LGBTQ+ narratives and characters in mainstream media.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hays Code was implemented in 1934, primarily to address concerns about the perceived moral decay in American society during the Great Depression.
2. Under the Hays Code, explicit depictions of homosexuality were forbidden, leading to an era where LGBTQ+ characters were often portrayed as villains or were completely absent from mainstream films.
3. The code influenced the representation of gender and sexuality in Hollywood, leading to ambiguous portrayals that hinted at LGBTQ+ themes without direct acknowledgment.
4. The Hays Code began to lose its power in the 1960s as social attitudes shifted, culminating in its official abandonment in 1966.
5. The impact of the Hays Code can still be seen today in how media navigates representations of LGBTQ+ identities, balancing between authenticity and societal norms.

Review Questions

• How did the Hays Code shape the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in film during its enforcement?
  • The Hays Code significantly shaped LGBTQ+ portrayals by enforcing strict rules against explicit representations of homosexuality. As a result, filmmakers often resorted to subtle hints or stereotypes to suggest queer identities while adhering to the moral guidelines. This led to many LGBTQ+ characters being either villainized or erased from mainstream narratives, influencing how society perceived these identities for decades.
• What role did the Production Code Administration play in regulating film content during the Hays Code era?
  • The Production Code Administration (PCA) served as the enforcement arm of the Hays Code, reviewing scripts and finished films to ensure compliance with its moral standards. Films that did not meet PCA approval could not be released commercially, creating a significant barrier for filmmakers. This control allowed the PCA to dictate not just what could be shown on screen but also shaped societal perceptions of morality and acceptable behavior, including views on LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Hays Code on contemporary media's representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
  • The long-term effects of the Hays Code can be seen in contemporary media's ongoing struggle with authentic LGBTQ+ representation. While significant progress has been made since the code's dissolution, many narratives still grapple with historical biases rooted in censorship. The lingering impact includes an increased awareness of queer coding and the desire for more genuine portrayals that reflect diverse experiences, challenging media creators to move beyond stereotypes while acknowledging this complex legacy.

Related terms

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable by authorities.

Production Code Administration (PCA): The agency responsible for enforcing the Hays Code and approving films for public viewing, ensuring compliance with the established guidelines.

Queer Coding: A practice in film and literature where characters are given traits associated with LGBTQ+ identities without explicitly identifying as such, often as a result of censorship.