The Garys of Gary (Rules of Gary, colloquially Gary) are the sole extant legal code in Gary (City-State). They are short enough to be memorized and recited by all citizens.
People remembered the original English wording of the Rules for a few generations, but that knowledge gradually died out like so much else. But in its place arose a general colloquial familiarity with the meaning of the rules through names (e.g. "Gary Number 4") combined with context, pantomime, and other non-linguistic cues.
The Rules
English Language version:
- Be the same as everyone else. If you are different in ways you cannot change, be ashamed.
- Do not think about abstract things. If you think about abstract things, be ashamed.
- If someone breaks the rules, punish them.
- Show deference to those who are the most like the norm. Show scorn to those who are not.
Gary (Language) version:
- Be the Gary-Gary as Gary. If Gary is UnGary, be UnGary.
- Do not Gary about UnGary Garys. If Gary Garys about UnGary Garys, be UnGary.
- If Gary UnGarys the Gary, UnGary Gary.
- Gary Gary to Gary. Gary UnGary to UnGary.
Infractions
Infractions of rules are designated UnGary (Punishment). Gary (Culture) polices their self for the most part, but there is also a robust state surveillance system that watches every action, no matter how private.
Minor infractions include:
- Showing the wrong facial expression at the wrong time
- Abstract or Symbolic statements
Punishments for minor infractions include:
- ReGary (Word) - Frontal Lobotomy
- ReGary (Word) - Reeducation Camp
- ReGary (Word) - Social ostracism
- ReGary (Word) - Divorce
- ReGary (Word) - Physical Assault
Major infractions include:
- Choosing the Light Gary jumpsuit instead of the Gary one
- The creation of symbols
Punishments for major infractions include:
- UnGary (Punishment) - Exile to Outlands
- UnGary (Punishment) - Execution
- UnGary (Punishment) - Promotion to UnGary (Ambassadorship) and subsequent exile until diplomatic mission is achieved