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. For example, holding hands or kissing in public are commonly defined as public displays of affection. (More far-reaching forms of intimacy could be considered indecent exposure). While the term is generally considered an American term, every culture has written and unwritten rules for showing affection in public.

Individual and societal opinions on the public display of affection can vary significantly, and such displays are sometimes considered in bad taste. In some jurisdictions, the public display of affection may even be criminal.

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 to what others can see, 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 mild form of voyeurism.

In places that already hold a "looser" atmosphere, such as in bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs public displays of affection are rarely considered to be as objectionable (if objectionable at all). In these places acts such as grinding and french kissing are commonplace.

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 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.

Worldwide

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.Fact|date=January 2008

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. Also, in the United States Armed Forces, PDA is a 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.

Indonesia has a proposed law outlawing kissing in public places.

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. [BBC, "Jail threat for kissing couples", March 8, 2004]

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. [Cape Argus (allAfrica.com), " [http://allafrica.com/stories/200712280591.html Angry SA Teens Plan Mass Kissing Protest] ", December 28, 2007]

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