FEAR THESAURUS

DISCRIMINATION



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HELPFUL TIP:

A deeply embedded fear often stems from trauma, so it can be helpful to explore emotional wounds that may be a factor. Your character might also become risk-averse, which can create problems in their relationships and limit their fulfillment. And for a character to achieve their story goal, they must overcome any fear-based thinking that's holding them back. The Character Builder is a great resource for pulling all these factors together.
NOTES:
Discrimination doesn't have to be big or obvious to hurt; even one thoughtless word or exclusive action sting. This fear becomes a escalated problem for characters when, in an effort to avoid discrimination at all costs, they hide or change who they are, thereby limiting themselves and living short of their full potential.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:
The character associating mainly with people like them (same race, gender, class, etc.)
Choosing to remain in background (at work, in social situations) to avoid drawing the wrong sort of attention
Choosing a job where discrimination will be minimal rather than following a dream
Changing their appearance or doing certain things to be accepted, even if it doesn't feel right
Painstakingly trying to be ‘perfect' to avoid being targeted (at work, social functions, etc.)
Avoiding “charged” events where the discriminatory factor is front and center (rallies, meetings, gatherings, etc.)
Pretending to not hear rude jokes or comments to keep the situation from escalating 
Becoming adept at hiding indignation, anger, and rage
Avoiding certain neighborhoods or places
Keeping silent when witnessing discrimination
Going to great lengths to work with and surround themselves with people who are "safe" or like-minded
The character raising their children in a bubble, sheltering them
Hesitating to open up about the parts of their life that may invite discrimination (mental health conditions, sexual orientation, etc.)
Coaching their children to not draw attention, speak out, or dress or act a certain way that they deem unsafe
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COMMON INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
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FLAWS THAT MAY EMERGE:
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HINDRANCES AND DISRUPTIONS TO THE CHARACTER'S LIFE:
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EMOTIONAL WOUNDS IT COULD STEM FROM:
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SCENARIOS THAT MIGHT AWAKEN THIS FEAR :
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HUMAN NEEDS THAT COULD BE IMPACTED:
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GOALS MADE DIFFICULT BY THIS FEAR:
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CONFLICT SCENARIOS THAT OFFER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
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