Public display of affection
Public displays of affection are acts of physical intimacy in the view of others. What are acceptable displays of affection vary between cultures as well as to time and context. Which acts are acceptable have also varied over time. Displays of affection in a public place, such as the street, are more likely to be objected to, than similar practices in a private place with only people from a similar cultural background present. Maintaining eye contact can be regarded socially and psychologically as analogous to touching in some cultures[citation needed]. Some organizations have rules limiting or prohibiting public displays of affection.
Worldwide
In most of the Western world, such as Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, it is very common to see people holding hands, hugging and kissing in public.[1] In nightclubs, it is also common for people to "grind" (a form of dancing) or dance closely.[citation needed]
In India, public display of affection is a growing phenomenon, although stray incidents of police harassment of couples were reported in the past.[2][3] However, relaxation of previous generations' social norms has made public displays of affection more common among India's younger demographic.
Same-sex public display of affection
Public display of affection between people of the same sex or gender can be viewed as normal or as suggestive of homosexuality depending on culture.[4] In Indian culture for example same-sex public display of affection is considered socially acceptable, and in many African cultures is considered normal and not offensive[5] while in the Western world it is considered suggestive of homosexuality.[4] For example, in Los Angeles, in 1980 it was found that most public display of affection between individuals of the same sex would still fall under police officers' conception of criminality[6] A spokesman for the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project declared in 2007 that “people are still verbally harassed and physically attacked daily for engaging in simple displays of affection in public. Everything changes the minute we kiss.”[7]
References
- ^ http://www.expatguideasia.com/public-displays-affection-pda
- ^ Sengupta, Somini (January 4, 2006). "Is Public Romance a Right? The Kama Sutra Doesn't Say". The New York Times. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
- ^ Farmer, Ben (February 3, 2009). "Hindu extremists 'will attack Valentine's Day couples'". Telegraph, UK. London.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); Text "However, these cases of harassment of dating couples are generally bitterly criticized by a growing number of young Indians, who feel the need for a change in the perception on dating and public displays of affection. In the past, attacks by vigilante groups also were a danger for those celebrating Valentine's day. However the number of couples celebrating Valentine's Day has grown so much that these attacks have become ineffective in deterring couples." ignored (help); Text "http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/4447238/Hindu-extremists-will-attack-Valentines-Day-couples.html" ignored (help) - ^ a b Akhtar, Salman (2011). Immigration and Acculturation: Mourning, Adaptation, and the Next Generation. United Kingdom: Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 60–61.
- ^ Peek, Philip M. Twins in African and Diaspora Cultures: Double Trouble, Twice Blessed. Indiana University Press. p. 221.
- ^ Knutson, Donald C. (1980). Homosexuality and the Law:. p. 109.
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/18/fashion/18affection.html?pagewanted=all