PDA controversy in LUMS

[ravage]

This controversy has been brewing since Ramzan. A female student at LUMS wrote a group email to the students about public displays of affection, which had been increasing in the uni. This stirred a big debate finally prompting college administrators to officially “ban kissing”](http://www.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_0_0_t&usg=AFQjCNFOLxtIp8dhAYqIf91Rc9TYZAC1tg&cid=1453576937&ei=pYLcSrjnD6XcjQfuzOKpAQ&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytimes.com.pk%2Fdefault.asp%3Fpage%3D2009%255C10%255C18%255Cstory_18-10-2009_pg1_9).

The debate is spilling into the wider media, with an editorial in jang today with a uncharacteristically libertarian pov.

Thoughts?

The storm raging at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) over what has been termed �public displays of affection� suggests why we, as a nation, face so many problems today. It is ironic that while on the one hand we face a crisis of governance, economic meltdown and terrorist threats on an unprecedented scale � on the other hand it is issues such as those at LUMS that take up so much time and energy. The campus controversy, now trickling out beyond the walls of the university, involves just such a �public display of affection� between a female and a male student. A vigilant fellow student captured the moment and sent out emails seeking support to condemn such behaviour. University authorities are currently contemplating a ban on PDAs, even though many students showed no desire to condemn what happened and in fact reacted with some hostility to the fact that it had been documented and included in email messages.

The whole thing is in fact a non-issue. Why should there be so much interest in the behaviour of two individuals which affects no one else? We don�t need more vigilantes in society, who feel it their right to appropriate to themselves the guardianship of society�s morals and behaviour. This attitude reflects our overall national psyche which makes us a nation that excels in lecturing (and hectoring) others for all kinds of imagined and perceived faults, all the while ignoring our own flaws and problems (that is also unfortunately why whenever terrorists acts happen so many of us are quick to spread and believe all kinds of wild conspiracy theories blaming the rest of the world, when the attackers are quite clearly from within us and our very own creations). It is time to jump off the moral bandwagon so many in the country are on. We have many real problems to grapple with. We must not waste time on others that should not concern anyone at all.

Morality brigade

[Captain1]

Re: PDA controversy in LUMS

The society is facing the divide, those for the 'ban' will be considered 'religious extremists' and those against the ban will be considered 'liberals/moderates'. As much as the issue is a "non-issue burning our energies", issues like this will be used by Taliban-lovers to raise support for Talibanism.

[ravage]

Re: PDA controversy in LUMS

true.

Speaking as someone who has been classified as "liberal/moderate".. it is boneheaded and completely tone deaf for people to do any sort of PDA in Pakistan, even in a liberal environment like LUMS.

While I wouldnt want the university to dedicate any resources towards kissing, I have the same view towards walking around naked i.e. when and how much nakedness is appropriate should be commonsense, should incorporate social norms, and shouldnt need policing. Those doing the PDA in Pakistan, during Ramzan, are just asking for it.

[Jalaluddin]

Re: PDA controversy in LUMS

I think the college is absolutely right to ban public kissing. All educational institutions should do that simply on the grounds of hygene.

The other day I saw a a pair who looked no older than 12 (!!!) go way past kissing in public. I am not sure if they knew what they were doing or aping the acts of grown ups

[kakaballi]

Re: PDA controversy in LUMS

Please do not comment if you are not aware of what goes on in the university. The following is a good description of the whole saga and should close the debate here and open it at the university:

Love and Sex at LUMS 1: The Secret Love Life of LUMS Students Pak Tea House