Written by Trinity Tellez, Alyssa Kingler & Valery Roldan
What is PDA?
Well the google definition states, "A public display of affection (PDA) is any act of intimacy between a couple that is in view of others. Hugging, kissing, or holding your partner's hand in public are some examples of PDA." Middletown High School has a serious PDA problem. At MHS we see constant hand holding, kissing, hugging, inappropriate touching, you name it.
When you look at more prestigious public schools you can see rules being considerably more enforced. You can also see this at our middle school, where they even have a heavily enforced rule of only 30 second hugs. Since our adults and figures of authority let it slide, we come off as unprofessional and, as some might say, “ghetto.”
Have the PDA-ists thought about how others feel about them doing this? There are countless students, and teachers, witnesses to PDA that definitely push the boundaries to what should be acceptable in a school setting. School is all about preparing us for our future jobs, but it is guaranteed any future job would possibly fire you if you were to openly make out in the office walkway with a coworker.
When you look at other school’s PDA rules, you find very standard acceptable guidelines. Take these for example, “Unacceptable public displays of affection include, but are not limited to, any prolonged embracing and/or kissing, inappropriate touching, and touching of a sexual nature.” Any person should agree this is understandable. It does not ban it, but does not allow it in a disruptive way.
Well, how about our school’s rules? I’m sure many people are wondering this based on what we have seen, but when you search for an answer, it is absolutely nowhere to be found. In our official school agenda which displays almost every school rule, and on our school website which does list multiple offensives, has nothing to mention PDA in the slightest.
So not only is our school not enforcing its rules, they don’t have any to start with. This explains the PDA epidemic and why you will find couples openly sitting on each other’s laps and smashing faces on your way to class.
We have interviewed students attending Middletown High on their thoughts about Public Displays of Affection. The questions we asked to each student is, What are your thoughts on PDA at MHS? Has it affected your school life? Does it make you uncomfortable? And where is PDA mostly seen? Some students have chosen to stay anonymous.
Starting with our 9th grade president, My Nguyen. My states, “I love when it’s used appropriately. For example, when Leadership has a committee who makes sticky notes and puts it on lockers to show affection. Whereas sometimes people in a relationship or friends joking could get out of hand. Another great example is when somebody is having a stressful day and a hug could comfort them. Which can allow a student who’s having a rough day feel a sense of affection. However it’s a big no when the behavior is used in a disrespectful and inappropriate way. Which can be more harmful than good.“
Another student at MHS says that it makes them uncomfortable, however it has never interfered with their school life. They don’t like seeing it constantly, though. They also said if we were to have PDA police it would make PDA-ers do PDA in secret, but then it’s not our problem, because the whole basis of PDA is Public Displays.
Another student stated, “PDA makes me uncomfortable because sometimes it gets too out of hand. It has affected my school life. I go to school for an education and do not want to see people making out and sitting on each other's laps. It has even gone as far as another person's partner caressing their breasts or making out in gym class. Something that’s supposed to be private and affectionate towards your partner should not be shared with the entire school especially if it’s wildly inappropriate. If there were to be PDA police I feel like they should be around the areas where PDA is mostly happening.”
Finally, we interviewed a member of the future PDA police department. They state, “As a student who witnesses many forms of PDA daily I would say it personally does make me uncomfortable, especially the more severe cases that should most definitely not be allowed. Some may call me biased, but I say this all as an ex PDA-ist. Yes, a strong advocate was once an offender, and even when I was committing such crimes I was uncomfortable myself. I was never the one to initiate PDA, because the public eye ruins the experience, and the comments or glances I would get made me, and I’m sure them, feeling awkward.”
What we concluded from this is that most people feel uncomfortable with the way couples express their love to each other. You never know what someone has went through, and seeing people be openly touchy and distracting can very easily trigger someone who has experienced sexual harassment or trauma, which is very apathetic for others situations.
Others say they don’t care as long as they are not in the way, but we should be more strict on our rules for the school as a whole.
This is where the PDA police come in, it is a great solution to the overpopulation of couples committing crimes. Do you find yourself hugging during school for hours and blocking the hallways? STOP! There's still hope for you. The PDA police was first formed after a long day of couples cuddling each other in the halls, a brave group of people weren’t going to take it any longer.
There are three steps to getting a final violation. The first warning you can get is from just basic PDA. Basic PDA consists of hand holding, small embraces and being both disruptive to the school environment as well as making others clearly uncomfortable with the actions being carried out.
The second offense you can get is from denying your first warning or having the PDA reoccur continuously in an inappropriate way. Severe cases such as touching in a sexual manner or committing sensual acts can immediately get you a level 2 warning.
The third and final warning can be very detrimental. This results in a trip to the office, whilst being escorted by a member of the PDA police. Your parents will receive either a phone call, email, or facetime about the offenses. If needed, they might even get photographic evidence.
Members of the PDA police nonprofit organization will also be equipped with orbeez guns, and are legally allowed to shoot any criminals to get them to stop.
Are you interested in joining the PDA police? If you are an ex-PDA-ist than you must take a course different from those who are non PDA offenders. We also complete background checks and have training courses. You can find ways to apply at stopthepda.org. We offer virtual and in person classes.
There is a loyalty code set in place in the PDA police department. You are responsible for not condoning or participating in PDA on the MHS campus. We pride ourselves on keeping our campus free from PDA.
We plan to do fundraisers for the cause and have weekly meetings to plan. We have intervention classes and hand out pamphlets. We are not just a club but we would like to insert ourselves into the MHS club activities.
If you would like to support our organization without joining our forces, check out our Instagram @mhspdapolice and use our hashtag #spreadloveresponsibly.
Next time you find yourself going to commit acts of PDA think of how others feel and how your actions may affect those around you.
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