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; however, 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. 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/or 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 public displays of 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 most of Europe, Canada, and the United States it is normal to see people holding hands or kissing in public. In nightclubs it is also common for men and women to "grind" (a form of dancing) or dance closely.
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. Furthermore PDA is strongly discouraged and looked down upon in the United States Armed Forces, especially in uniform.
In Latin America (depending on the country), PDA is quite acceptable (in Panama, for example, it is SEVERELY frowned upon), and it is normal to see people, particularly women who are not a couple, holding hands, kissing (and french kissing) and caressing each other. To openly object to such a display there is generally seen as a sign of intolerance. During the fascist dictatorships in Argentina and Chile, in the 70s and 80s, the authorities were not so tolerant with the practice, but there was no other reaction than social discomfort. The practice of teenagers gathering in public parks to kiss, caress or even have oral sex has called the attention of United States media, strikingly because of the lack of political content in this "sexual awakening".[1][2]
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 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.[3]
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