Public Display of Affection

A public display of affection (sometimes abbreviated PDA) is the physical demonstration of affection for another person while in the view of others. Holding hands or kissing in public are commonly considered to be unobjectionable forms of public displays of affection. But what is considered objectionable depends on the context. For example, in places such as bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs more extreme forms of public displays of affection are rarely considered to be objectionable. In these places, acts such as grinding and french kissing are common.[citation needed] It is traditional at the conclusion of a Western wedding for the couple to kiss.

While generally considered to be an American term, every culture has written and unwritten rules governing the display of affection in public. Individual and societal views on the public display of affection vary significantly. Such displays may sometimes be considered to be in bad taste, while in some jurisdictions such displays may even be criminal. Depending on the social values and context, extreme forms of public displays of intimacy may be considered indecent exposure.

If the partners enjoy being seen affectionate towards each other in public, it may be considered a mild form of exhibitionism. Alternatively, the partners may be indifferent that others see them, and therefore are not inhibited by it. Finally, the partners may prefer more privacy, but may simply tolerate being seen by others. Some may find it pleasant to view others publicly display affection, which may be considered a form of voyeurism.

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 disapproving onlookers. While such public displays of affection could trigger hate violence, some gay rights advocates have used public displays of affection as a means of defiance, treating them as political acts. For example, at McGill University, the Queer McGill organization stages "kiss-ins" in which gay couples kiss in public areas on the university's campus. In many places around the world, couples of differing race, religion, or tribe may be subject to similar intolerance.

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 abstinence among students. Another reason is the potential for liability as PDAs can, in extreme cases, be considered sexual harassment. Also, in the United States Armed Forces, PDA is strongly discouraged and looked down upon, especially in uniform.

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 Latin America, PDA is quite acceptable, especially in post-dictatorship countries like Argentina.[citation needed] While all PDA was banned under the fascist junta, passionate kissing and heavy petting have since become not only common sights in all manner of public places from parks and nightclubs to sidewalks and even outside of banks. More even than a simple display of affection, it is a patriotic act, both due to the free republic having been restored and the affectionate nature which the people themselves consider an integral part of their Latin identity. To openly object to such a display there is generally seen as a sign of coldness, intolerance, or even simply envy.

Indonesia has a proposed law outlawing kissing in public places.[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 may even be considered an act of public nuisance, subjecting individuals to conviction and fine. Despite legal and societal views, the Indian film industry does utilize marketing imagery of individuals displaying mutual affection as a means of promoting many films.

In Arab countries, varying degrees of PDA are accepted, depending on the country and the city. Some traditional societies like Saudi Arabia do not allow any amount of PDA. Others are relatively westernized and tolerant towards most forms of PDA, for example Lebanon. In most Arab countries, 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 indigination or even legally prohibited.

In South Africa it is against the law for anyone under the age of 16 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.

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