Ω
february 2017
07
PHOTO BY JEFFERY TRAN
PDA: A touchy school subject Although PDA is generally considered negative, it may not affect others as much as we think it does. Albert Law
us. For example, we ask our friends
Feature editor
if we are making the right decision in talking to a particular boy or girl.
A
couple
is
This sense of fitting in makes us feel
making out in front
secure and confident. When we see
of your locker. What do you do? Do
our closest friends showing affection
you just look at them awkwardly, or
to their boyfriend or girlfriend, it
do you tell them to move? I’m not
elicits a weird feeling because we
sure either.
have a special connection with
Public displays of affection (PDA)
should
be
allowed
our friend. But on the other hand,
on
when we see strangers making out,
campus. It’s not necessarily as bad
it doesn’t affect us because we don’t
as other people portray it to be.
have the same connection. Maybe
Perhaps it’s because I’m only an
that’s why we take more notice of
adolescent and therefore, I possess a
PDA among our friends.
less conservative perspective on this
I feel that PDA should be allowed
issue. In regards to PDA, there are
because it’s just a way for students to
many social factors that ultimately
express their feelings in public. Does
influence a person’s views. There’s
PDA affect students physically or
your
your
mentally? For bystanders, it could be
friends. There are movies. And
embarrassing and uncomfortable.
there’s personal experience.
But what can be done? Students feel
parents.
There
are
Parents have a role in the way students view PDA. There are
intense feelings, and they want to do things to express themselves.
parents who openly hold hands and
Okay. I got it. This is the best
kiss in front of their child, while there
way to explain it. There is a sense of
are parents who are very distant.
pride that comes with PDA because
Some parents also disapprove of
it is a way for students to show off
kissing between their child and
the love they have for each other.
their child’s partner. These different
Basically, when you finally find that
childhood experiences can influence
person who likes you as much as you
someone’s perspective, but regular,
like them, you want to hold their
prolonged exposure to PDA can also
hands and show off to the public.
promote acceptance. When we find a new partner, we often seek approval of those around
Let’s face it. Especially at school, PDA is inevitable. Ω Continued at whshoofprint.com
Student thoughts on PDA 251 students give feedback on the amount and type of Public Display of Affection they see on campus, including opinions on what is appropriate. They also show whether or not students think that the administration should place tighter restrictions on PDA on campus. Are uncomfortable seeing PDA
When have you seen PDA on campus? before school
48%
93%
What crosses the line? 70%
kissing
passing period
95%
holding hands
during lunch
96%
hugging
after school
86%
Believe the administration should restrict PDA
4%
45%
4%
other forms of PDA
22%