Public Displays of Affection

In the wake of China reopening its borders to the world in 1979 sex was taboo. Indeed, all Chinese dressed in similar, asexual outfits and the women all had short and rather butch haircuts. More to the point, couples were never seen outside holding hands or engaging in any other display of affection. According to several people who have lived in China for several years, the lack of public displays of affection continued well into the 1990s. Although things slowly became more relaxed, hand holding and public affirmations of one’s sexuality were still discouraged.
Now, things have changed. As I bike around Beijing everyday, I am struck by the number of couples who hold hands, grope and do innumerable things that are considered distasteful back in the States. In fact, a friend actually witnessed two couples “in the act” in a public park. At noon. On a tueday. I, for one, commend the Chinese for becoming more in touch with their sexuality. I also find it interesting that the recent economic liberalization has been mirrored by increased openness about sexuality. While many couples comprised on consenting adults look more like overzealous middle schoolers in the States than the University students/consenting adults they are, I find it to be a good and positive sign that life is becoming increasingly free in China.