Public display of affection

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Arthur and Guinevere kiss before all the people.

A public display of affection (PDA) is the physical demonstration of affection for another person while in the view of others. For example, holding hands or kissing in public are commonly called public displays of affection. (PDAs leading to full or partial disrobing could be considered indecent exposure). While this recent term is generally considered American, every culture has rules and customs for showing affection in public.

Individual and collective opinions on the public display of affection can vary significantly, and such displays are sometimes considered in bad taste. The expression "Get a room!" is frequently aimed at couples who are seen kissing in public. In some jurisdictions, the public display of affection is even criminal.

If the partners enjoy being seen affectionate towards each other in public, it may be considered exhibitionism. Alternatively, the partners may be indifferent to what others can see, and therefore are not inhibited by it. Finally, the partners may prefer more privacy, but might simply tolerate being seen by others.

Some may find it pleasant to view others publicly display affection, which can be considered voyeurism.

In more tolerant places, such as in bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs, public displays of affection meet fewer objections. In such places, acts such as grinding and french kissing are common.

In many societies, public displays of affection may be tolerated even less among minority couples. For example, gay couples could be at risk of encountering aggression from homophobic onlookers. While such public displays of affection could result in hate violence, some gay rights advocates have used public displays of affection as a means of defiance, considering them political acts. For example, at McGill University (Canada), the Queer McGill organization stages "kiss-ins" in which gay couples kiss in public areas on campus. In many places in the world, couples of mixed race, religion, or tribe might attract similar intolerance.

[edit] Around the world

In Europe, it is normal to see people holding hands or kissing in public places and public events. Petting (or even heavy petting) is often seen as normal in parks, and certainly in nightclubs.^{[citation needed]}

Many junior and senior high schools in the United States prohibit displays of affection, in an effort that many school administrators believe allows students to focus on learning. Such efforts may also be geared towards promoting prudence among students. Another reason is the potential for liability as PDAs can, in extreme cases, be considered sexual harassment.

In Canada, it is also very normal to see people holding hands or kissing in public places and at public events. In nightclubs it is also common for men and women to "grind" (a form of dancing) or dance closely.

In Indonesia a proposed law would outlaw kissing in public.

In Pakistan public displays of affection are common among young people but it is taboo and is almost never done in front of authorities, as it is a criminal offence.^[1]

The Supreme Court of India has described public displays of affection to be in bad taste and has defined such behavior as unacceptable. The public display of affection might even be considered an act of public nuisance, subjecting individuals to conviction and fine. Despite legal and society's views, the Indian film industry does market many films with images of affection.

In Arab countries, varying degrees of PDA are accepted, depending on the country and the city. Some traditional societies such as Saudi Arabia do not allow any PDA. Others are relatively westernized and tolerant towards most forms of PDA, for example, Lebanon. In most Arab countries, however, only very light PDA is accepted. Holding hands or having one partner's hand on the other's shoulder are the usual limits.

Arab onlookers to a PDA might take offence and might confront those showing it and demand that they obey the local customs. Heavy PDA can land a person in jail, for the offence of indecent exposure. As such, and considering the different attitudes in different areas, tourists are advised to do only as much as the locals are doing; attempting more PDA might be received with indignation or even police action.

In South Africa it is against the law for anyone under the age of 18 to take part in any public displays of affection. This has led to large protests across the country by teenagers, culminating in Kiss-a-thons in public places across the country.^[2]