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Are Americans Becoming Prudes?
The other day BF and I were joking around in a parking lot outside of the car. He grabbed me, picked me up, spun me around and then gave me a big 'ol kiss. Another couple walking by (probably in their 40's) gave us the "how inappropriate" glare. I couldn't believe it! It's not like we were making out with our hands all over each other.
Anyway, it got me thinking about how often we chastise PDA. It's all over our movies and magazine covers...but heaven forbid we actually express real affection in public. Sometimes I feel like as Americans we are taking ourselves too seriously. I realize there can be too much on display...and I'm not down with people who just like to put on a performance...but what's wrong with a couple expressing how they feel about each other in public? I rather like that BF isn't afraid to show how he feels no matter who is around, and if it's nothing he would be ashamed to do in front of our parents...why should anyone else care?
Just curious how others on here feel...
Anyway, it got me thinking about how often we chastise PDA. It's all over our movies and magazine covers...but heaven forbid we actually express real affection in public. Sometimes I feel like as Americans we are taking ourselves too seriously. I realize there can be too much on display...and I'm not down with people who just like to put on a performance...but what's wrong with a couple expressing how they feel about each other in public? I rather like that BF isn't afraid to show how he feels no matter who is around, and if it's nothing he would be ashamed to do in front of our parents...why should anyone else care?
Just curious how others on here feel...
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Re: Are Americans Becoming Prudes?
In comparison to American history are we more prudish now? Definitely not. I mean, just look at entertainment now that is embraced by our culture versus entertainment in the 1950's.
In comparison to other advanced nations are we more prudish? Oh yeah.
Last year, while Christmas shopping, I saw two teenagers sucking face on one of the couches outside a store. I REALLY wanted to jerk them up and ask where their parents were. This was automatically followed by the shocking revelation that I'm old.
As long as it's not too gropey, no tongue, I'm not going to bat an eyelash. I prefer to keep most things behind closed doors, though.
Do I think people need to lighten up about little things like what you and your BF did, oh yeah. But like Wrkn said there's that line, and everyone's is different. So generalizing an entire country into a yes we are or no we aren't answer is difficult.
Motolyn's House Remodel Blog Starting anew Nov. 2012.
Based on some of the PDA I see, even in my conservative city, I wouldn't think that Americans are necessarily become prudes. But I do think that the couple who glared at you and your BF were prudes.
Frankly, I think society's gone down the hill. I mean, look at what is "cool" or "trendy" on TV nowadays - Jersey Shore, dating shows with Brett Michaels and rap stars who hop from communal bedroom to communal bedroom, Miley Cyrus writhing around on a bed in her music video, etc. It seems to me like, more and more, people are being rewarded for being as trashy as possible.
I don't know, call me old fashioned, but I was raised that anything beyond a hug, kiss, or hand holding should be kept private. If I see a couple in line holding hands or giving each other a basic kiss, cool. Looking like they're recreating the pool scene from Species? Not so much.
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[QUOTE]Purple - I agree with a lot of what you said, but don't you think there is a big difference between what we're willing to see in a movie and what we are willing to see on the street in real life? It seems like you don't see people complaining about raunchy scenes in movies very often...but you do hear "did you see that couple sitting across the dining room? geesh!"
Posted by allusive007[/QUOTE]
I see what you're trying to say, but I picked out the movie with the raunch, so I have no problem when I see it. I don't want to see some couple while I'm out somewhere all over each other. Kisses are fine, long or short. Groping and tongues everywhere? No thanks. Especially when I have my 3 year old daughter with me. I'm am not shy in telling them that this is not the proper place.
I am much more liberal I suppose would be the best way to put it regarding PDA and other signs of affection and dynamics surrounding relationships. It is to each their own but if you don't like whats going on..ignore it. Unless it is directly affecting you..I don't see why people really care all that much. I think it sucks we have to censor ourselves as much as we do just because it might offend some random joe blow who might have a difference of opinion on how we should act.
There are about 2 days out of the year I can completely be myself to the public without fear of retort or various negative impacts from society even though I am doing nothing illegal nor does it concern anyone outside our personal relationship. The world would be a better place if we didn't have to cater to everyone else all the time.
I'm personally not into a whole lotta PDA. Hugging, small kisses, hand holding, twirling around and such are all fine (and fun!), but having a make-out session in public makes me really uncomfortable. I'll let BF get away with a small amount of tongue sometime, but usually if he starts doing it I end it pretty quickly.