Public Displays of Affection in the London Tube
August 26th 2006 19:17
The London Underground or Tube as it is colloquially referred to is an interesting place with so many different people onboard. It is an odd scenario with people from different backgrounds sharing a confined space for such a short period in time, when usually these people would never mix socially and will never meet again. The common bond is transportation and getting from A to B. This means that for most it is a time to put in the earphones and listen to music, some read books or newspapers, others sleep, but some find it a time to make up for lost time and further their knowledge of their partner.
This act of Public Display of Affection is frowned upon amongst the traditional types of people like myself. Yet in the Underground where everyone avoids eye contact, let alone talking, no one batters an open eyelid at the concept of two people kissing and going at it with one another. I find this concept bizarre, as in most public places these people would be too embarrassed to try such pursuits, yet in the sanctuary of the tube where even looking at someone who is a stranger is a no no, kissing a partner is considered fine. This to me, stinks of hypocrisy!
My attitude to Public Display of Affection stems from my traditional upbringing and the usual vulnerability to jest which such a practice usually encourages. The usual comments like "Get a room you two!" "I'm trying to eat here" and "It's a bit early in the day for that sort of carry on" spring to mind. It is a way of chopping down society to the standards and practices of the majority downunder, yet in europe is considered acceptable.
The practice of PDA is socially awkward for myself as it is always something that you avoid watching, but can't when such an act is thrust almost literally, in your face! This hatred to such an act may be a result of getting older or simply jealousy, but if the transvestite sitting on one side of you and the football hooligan on the other is going to say anything, then it is my responsiblity to stand up to these people.
This act of Public Display of Affection is frowned upon amongst the traditional types of people like myself. Yet in the Underground where everyone avoids eye contact, let alone talking, no one batters an open eyelid at the concept of two people kissing and going at it with one another. I find this concept bizarre, as in most public places these people would be too embarrassed to try such pursuits, yet in the sanctuary of the tube where even looking at someone who is a stranger is a no no, kissing a partner is considered fine. This to me, stinks of hypocrisy!
My attitude to Public Display of Affection stems from my traditional upbringing and the usual vulnerability to jest which such a practice usually encourages. The usual comments like "Get a room you two!" "I'm trying to eat here" and "It's a bit early in the day for that sort of carry on" spring to mind. It is a way of chopping down society to the standards and practices of the majority downunder, yet in europe is considered acceptable.
The practice of PDA is socially awkward for myself as it is always something that you avoid watching, but can't when such an act is thrust almost literally, in your face! This hatred to such an act may be a result of getting older or simply jealousy, but if the transvestite sitting on one side of you and the football hooligan on the other is going to say anything, then it is my responsiblity to stand up to these people.
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Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
Two thoughts:
1. The publicness of the PDA it is probably part of the kick. So, far from being embarrassed about it, practitioners of the PDA probably get turned on by it.
2. You can't avoid watching -- it's thrust in your face. Well, therefore, say I, you might as well enjoy the free show. Would cost you... what? -- at least $10, $20 for the peep show elsewhere.
Comment by jon
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I agree that people should probably try to keep in mind the sensibilities of other people in public places -- that's part of living in society -- but the reaction of other people is probably half the fun like Adrian says.