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[attr="class","opmindtopright"]JOHNNY'S TRIGGERS

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A little in-depth on subjects that noticeably 'set Johnny off'. Given his abuse-ridden history, consider this me attempting to collect my thoughts on subjects that tend to trigger specific emotional responses. Feel free to use these in plotting ideas if you so please, I just ask characters are not automatically aware of them without reasonable context. <3

the colour white

Derived from his mother's former acting career and the usage of white as a symbolic colour. Psychologically, people can be coaxed into specific beliefs if not aware of certain topics. In Marion's case, this is the symbolism of white as a colour meaning purity and innocence. Something considered 'good' and 'righteous' in some circles. When PR got involved in the circumstance that ruined her reputation, there was a noticeable uptake in Marion wearing the colour white or generally, a lighter-coloured wardrobe. This was to unconsciously sway the opinions of onlookers about Marion's reputation. Even when matters left the public eye, Marion continued this specific manner of dress regarding colours. Rarely does she wear black or rich reds and opts for pastels and whites.

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Throughout Johnny's youth, he experienced the extremity Marion went to to create a positive and captivating public after her downfall. White became a commonly insisted upon colour. She would beseech her son about his purity and innocence. This coupled with her nagging about him being a misbehaving and impure child transformed into an inner rejection of those concepts. A repetitive cycle first respected because of childhood blinders and later hated as Johnny began lashing out against his mother. He now hates the colour, considering it a symbol of her control over his life. In some respects, he considers the colour a 'manipulation tactic'.

tears of the perpetrator

Whether intentional or not, Johnny tends to take crying awfully at all times. This was among his mother's favourite manipulation tactics. When she perceived a wrong, even if brought upon herself by her actions, she would cry to play the victim. A majority of the time when people cry around him, Johnny will become awkward and leave. Even when he is the cause of those tears. Crying itself is almost considered an attack because of how his mother used it like a tool. Thus, it prompts a defensive response to avoid ire.

clinginess

While not guaranteed, Johnny can become defensive and standoffish in the face of clinginess. His mother used to grab at him, holding his arm roughly despite him snapping at her not to. Her nails would claw into his skin, leaving small cuts while the force left a group of circular bruises. She would fall against him while preaching to him his failures and so-called sins from her perspective. These actions bring about discomfort and rage for Johnny. People who cling to him in that manner will be met with immediate and, sometimes, violent retaliation. His mind goes to the worst places when people touch him like his mother has. Thrown elbows, fists and kicks followed by shouts were a defensive response in his mind.

seductive actions

Seduction is something of a hot/cold to Johnny. Everything depends on the use, manner and method of the action. This trigger is, more often, aimed at those who are female or at least feminine-presenting. The usage of feminine privates, specifically breasts, to bribe, persuade or control a non-sexual situation tends to turn the attraction cold. The offer of sexual favours for a return or to assert control is what specifically makes Johnny uncomfortable. For years, he watched Marion show her body despite her innocent dress to earn the hearts of men and the money in their wallets. Thus, the use of seduction in these situations will put Johnny on the defensive and sometimes bring about an argument.

jonathan

Some day a name is your first gift, one given from parents to child. For Johnny, it has transformed into a bit of a curse. Marion is extremely insistent on people using 'Jonathan' or 'Johnny' despite the youth's insistence. She insists Jonathan is the proper use and imbues him with a gentleman's nature. For Johnny, this is viewed as controlling, a way for her to decide who he is. Thus, he despises and gets angry when people call him 'Jonathan' or the nickname he insists on using.

johnny vs. authority

The constant assertion of control through rampant criticism, direct demands, playing the victim and other actions have made Johnny sensitive to authority. Giving in to the requests, suggestions or criticisms of others makes him feel as though he is letting go of a part of himself. There are times he will get angry when someone demands something of him. Other times, he grows snide and sarcastic. Occasionally, he even starts blocking people out if his depression is suffocating him. Critics and demands were used to make Johnny conform to his mother's tyrannical rule. He was taught it was always his fault and him doing something wrong. A single mistake and her lid would pop and end in trouble for Johnny.