🌐 Understanding Packetism

🧭What Is Packetism?

Packetism is our community’s way of recognizing and protecting authentic emotional expression—especially those raw, first-response reactions to stress, confusion, or frustration. These expressions, called Packetisms, are not meant to harm or target others. They’re simply the emotional “first point of call” when someone needs to vent. They are a small "packet" of "emotional information" and context.

🧩What Counts as a Packetism?

• Non-targeted: Not aimed at a specific person or protected group.
• Situational: Often tied to a moment of overwhelm or systemic frustration.
• One-off: Not part of a repeated pattern of behavior.
• Cultural or symbolic: May use metaphors, exaggeration, or humor.

"Most people online are less intelligent than a Japanese vending machine."
→ This is a Packetism: a venting moment, not a targeted insult.

🛡️Why We Protect Packetisms

• They allow space for emotional honesty.
• They help prevent over-policing of speech.
• They encourage reflection and de-escalation.
• They support mental health and community resilience.

🚦What’s Not a Packetism?

• Repeated or personal attacks.
• Comments aimed at specific individuals or protected groups.
• Language intended to provoke, intimidate, or demean.

🎭Packetism Comedy Guide: Using Personal Parental Figures Safely in Stand-Up

🧩What Is Packetism in Comedy?

Packetism in comedy is the art of expressing emotional truths—especially frustrations, absurdities, or cultural quirks—through metaphor, exaggeration, or storytelling, without targeting individuals or protected groups.

When referencing parents, the safest approach is to use “my mum” or “my dad”—as long as:

• You have their permission, or
• You’re confident they wouldn’t mind being mentioned.

✅ Comedy-Safe Packetism Principles

• Use Personal, Not Generic References:
  Say “my mum” or “my dad” instead of “mums” or “dads.”
  Example: “My mum used to label leftovers like they were museum artifacts. ‘Do not touch. 2017.’”
• Get Consent or Be Considerate:
  If your parent is identifiable, make sure they’re okay with being part of your material.
  If unsure, anonymize or fictionalize.
• Balance Humor with Humanity:
  Use exaggeration to highlight emotional truths, but avoid ridicule.
  Example: “My dad thought Bluetooth was a dental condition. I didn’t correct him for a year.”
• Pivot to Insight or Connection:
  Start with a frustration, then reveal a deeper truth or affection.
  Example: “I used to think my mum was controlling. Turns out she was just trying to keep me alive with snacks.”
• Avoid Repetition That Feels Targeted:
  One-off jokes are fine. Repeated digs at the same role or person can feel hostile or exploitative.