On Saturday the 5th of March, a video of a couple voraciously defending themselves against being told not to sit together by security at the Independence Square made its rounds on Facebook. To summarise the essence of the video, you're apparently not allowed to sit with your significant other at the Independence Square unless you have a child with you. 

To no one's surprise, the video gained momentum within mere hours of it being posted, with outraged denizens taking offense at the ridiculousness of it all. It didn't take long for a Facebook event - Occupy the Square - to be launched, calling all concerned citizens to partake in the silent protest to be held at the Square the very next day. People arrived in their droves in a show of solidarity with the couple, including a Minister of the government. 

Without a doubt, the requirement of the presence of a child for couples to sit together is absurd at best. Even if the said couple is married, what if they still don't have children? Most importantly, what if they are unable to? Even if they DID have kids, are they not entitled to “time out” - a few child free hours to chill? 

Of course, if the requirement was part of the rules and regulations, there's no denying it would be great for business. Think about it, Rent-A-Child services will be all the rage! But jokes aside, these kinds of issues begs the questions: to what extent should certain behaviour be policed in public spaces? What should be allowed? What shouldn't? Where to draw the line? 

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that there are still a number of couples whose behaviour in public is far from acceptable. We are a tolerant nation, yes, but one seeped in culture that we are proud of. Public displays of affection are still frowned upon - including even innocent hugs between friends of the opposite sex. 

We are also a very opinionated generation; vocal in our outrage. Of the dichotomy of views expressed, few are eloquent, with a disturbing majority resorting to crude language with nary a legitimate point made. Nevertheless, the arguments for and against the banning of couples sitting together in public places are varied, and mostly uninformed. Even now, the comment section of the video is very active with a potpourri of opinions being thrown around with insults to boot. 

Despite an increased security presence in public places such as Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park and Independence Square, many couples still engage in R rated shenanigans on the down low, in full view of curious children and embarrassed adults. While this not only violates the more relaxed privileges awarded to couples in the country, this selfish behaviour also taints the image of the majority of couples who do no wrong. 

Even in the West, where the people are very liberal, a couple engaging in too much PDA (public displays of affection) are met with echos of “get a room”. Because unless we have voyeuristic tendencies, having to put up with couples who engage in over the top PDA in public spaces where kids especially are aplenty, is an awkward and uncomfortable experience for many irrespective of where they're from. 

Which is why it probably won't come as a surprise that security guards find couples in general infuriating. In fact, it's quite inevitable - they too are human. And unlike us, they deal with many miscreants on a daily basis. Does that make harassing all couples okay? Of course not. After all, it's easy for us to add our two cents from the comfort of our armchairs. 

As with all things pertaining to culture, this is a slippery slope. Should we be more lenient on PDA? If so, to what extent? Or should it not be allowed at all? Should we be more progressive in the name of being open minded, or should our views remain stagnant or regressive in the name of culture and heritage? Renouncing the more liberal cultures for their views in order to validate our opinions and views is pointless. Who are we to say that our culture is better than theirs? What we need is an inclusive platform for all voices to be heard, so decisions can be made after considering all views and options. Culture is constantly evolving over time, albeit at a slow pace. While it is important to preserve our cultural values, are there some aspects that must move with the times? 

Without a doubt, there are many questions, but questions lead to more understanding - of the nuances of the why things are done a certain way. It is human tendency to dispute what we disagree with and label it to be against our culture. Changes need to be encroached with an open mind. Should we remain stagnant simply because we disagree with change? 

By Rihaab Mowlana