The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers
don’t take things (jokes) personally
attitude: some people can think like this (see more)
Someone (e.g. Matthew) said something bad about someone else, (e.g. Mark) because Matthew wanted other people to laugh.
It is good if Mark thinks like this: I know Matthew wants other people to laugh. I know Matthew doesn’t feel something bad towards me. Because of this, I don’t have to feel something bad.
It is bad if Mark thinks like this: Matthew said this because he wants me to feel something bad. Matthew wants other people to think something bad about me, like he thinks something bad about me. Because of this, I feel something bad.
"Penny said 'You really have no sense of style do you?' to Ken. It is good if Ken thinks 'I know Penny wants other people to laugh. I know Penny doesn't feel something bad towards me.' It is bad if Ken thinks 'Penny wants me to feel something bad. Penny wants other people to think something bad about me.'"
"When the family got Susan's favourite food for dinner, Robert said 'Watch out, you better get in quick before Susan steals all the best bits again!'. It is good if Susan thinks 'I know Robert wants other people to laugh. I know Robert doesn't feel something bad towards me.' It is bad if Susan thinks 'Robert wants me to feel something bad. Robert wants other people to think something bad about me.'"
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