Immensely Grateful To The Lovely Souls Who Gave These Little Winged Ones And Trapped Sanya A Chance.

The NI Series (1): Noble Idiocy Is Neither Noble Nor Idiotic

Admin’s Message: Hello Tumblr followers, thank you for reading The Asian Drama Philosopher (A-Philosopher)’s Chair all this while!  As a special treat for everyone, the Chair is inviting bloggers from different backgrounds to share their views on the relationship between culture and drama writing. First up is well-known K-drama commentator samsooki, who is of Korean heritage. Enjoy his breezy writing and express your support for him. 

written by samsooki

Well, you know it was coming.  It is episode 12 or 13 of your favorite k-drama romcom, after all.  The other kdrama shoe known as “noble idiocy,” must drop.

The Setup.  It has taken a dozen heart-tugging episodes, and a half of a lifetime from the time they attended the same elementary school, but the protagonists (let’s pick names – Bob and Mary) have defeated both (a) the evil scheming uncle who wants to take over the chaebol board of directors, and (b) the crazy ex-boyfriend/girlfriend who won’t take no for an answer.  After weeks of Wed-Thurs cliffhangers, Bob and Mary have finally become the OTP (One True Pairing) that we always hoped would happen!  Ooooh, but what twist hath fate wrought upon our starstruck couple!  The protagonists suddenly find themselves in a quandary – an unexpected and inexorable something (probably a dormant cancer, orphanage secret, and/or a chaebol proxy fight) is standing in the way of their happiness ever after!  What, if anything, can be done?

The Western Solution.  From a Western structural standpoint, the path toward Bob’s and Mary’s resolution includes:  (1) forthright communication, (2) working together to assuage each other’s fears, (3) gaining mutual strength for the Final Showdown, and (4) ending the cycle of individual misdirection by forgiveness and trust.  Seems pretty self-explanatory, doesn’t it?  All they have to do is work together!

The K-Drama Response. Noooo, we must be far more complicated. Bob and Mary must be cliven asunder by a unilateral and preemptive decision made by one of them as a dramatic score plays in the background, followed by heartbreaking preview scenes of “why isn’t he/she answering my texts” angst.  The first of Bob and Mary to blink away his or her single, pretty tear must leave Korea, forever, or at least a very long time.  Further, there must not be any further communication of any kind for at least a year, perhaps three.  Finally, each must suffer and cry alone while reminiscing through montage clips, wondering if fate will be kinder in future lifetimes.  And in the end, what appeared to be a noble effort to cause less pain, has now caused more, idiotically.  Let the sardonic eye-rolls, the knowing sighs of disbelief and cynical anti-tropist over-reaction commence.  Yes indeed, it is the kdrama trope of noble idiocy.

Surely, the kdrama’s PD (the production director) and the writers can do better? But maybe, what we believe to be a crutch for unoriginal writing isn’t what we think it is at all.  Perhaps the writers are merely introducing and then reinforcing an Asian principle that Koreans have long since internalized.

 What is going on here?  

 a.              Western Perspective – Y’all Are Noble Idiots.  The Western view, of course, is based on perspectives heavily influenced by individualism and discrete ethics.  In the Western view, each person is responsible for his or her actions and no more.  The Westerner would look at Bob’s silly actions and argue that, even if Bob initially believed that his own happiness would be greater if Mary is not burdened by Bob’s problems, how can Bob leaving the country without a word to Mary be the proper method for achieving such happiness?  And if Bob were acting in such a way for Mary’s happiness, surely Bob would not believe that he would be making Mary happier if he left her in a frozen state of uncertainty for years, perhaps forever? Pure madness and counter-productive!

 b.              Korean Perspective – You Don’t Understand Our Worldview. Surely, then, Koreans with their 5,000 year history, would know better by now!  Hmm, perhaps they do, though?  By way of background - the Korean worldview is framed by a Confucian philosophy integrally woven into every part of Korean society.  On whatever level, the general principle is the same – a person’s highest duty is to take responsibility for those who follow such person.  This is true of familial relationships (parent to child, spouse to spouse, sibling to sibling), educational and corporate relationships (seniors to juniors) and political governance (ruler to subjects) as well.  This worldview dominates Korean thinking.  It is the reason why one’s age is so important, and why honorifics are critical to conversation, even between family members.  One must always know who should be taking responsibility for whom, and likewise, who should be following and who should be leading.  It is the reason that students address one another by titles like sunbae (one’s senior) and hoobae (one’s junior) and that words like oppa and noona mean so much more than their literal meaning.  Family, friendships, corporations and even nations are held together by this principle of taking responsibility for those who follow you.  Is it any shock that this principle also applies between lovers as well?

Of course, one can argue that romantic relationships should not necessarily follow the Confucian philosophy, especially not in the post-modern age. My counter is that as true as that argument might be, Bob and Mary are not yet a couple at this stage in the kdrama.  As such, each of Bob and Mary is likely to fall back upon traditional relational notions to deal with the other of them.

Taken to its logical conclusion then, Bob cannot simply ask Mary to (1) share in the burden of the obstacle, and (2) work together to deal with the OTP crisis.  Such a request would be nigh on unthinkable because one of Bob or Mary must take responsibility for the other, and cannot share or delegate such duty.  And this kind of relationship is not unique to Eastern philosophies.  The concept that certain duties cannot be delegated is not just an Eastern concept, but it is part of the bedrock of Western jurisprudence as well.  A fiduciary duty is the highest level of obligation that a person can owe to another – and such obligation cannot be shared.  Just as an agent must act solely for the benefit of the principal, and a trustee cannot halve his liability by delegating half of his duties, Bob cannot breach his obligation to Mary.

It would be alarming then, for Bob, in the face of an obstacle that appears unsolvable without the help of Mary, to confess his burdens to Mary.  If Bob were to share his burdens with Mary, Bob would be abdicating his role as Mary’s protector.  Bob cannot have it both ways – if Bob has any designs on remaining the kind of person that Mary could rely upon, Bob cannot ask for help from Mary. Taken on a macro level, such an action would turn society upside down.  Bob’s only choice, therefore, if indeed Bob is the one who takes responsibility for the problems besetting our OTP of choice, is to remove himself from the situation entirely.  

Note that this is not because Bob thinks any of the problems is insurmountable and will inevitably hurt Mary, but because he believes he is not (yet) strong enough to deal with the issue. Note as well that even if Mary also stepped up and declared responsibility for Bob, each of Bob and Mary would be forced to take action unilaterally because of the impossibility of sharing duties under the Confucian way of thinking.

In Korean thinking, harmony in society, whether on a macro or micro level, depends upon the ability of those who take responsibility for others.  The good leader will cause his or her nation to prosper, and the good parent will cause her children to become good adults. Likewise, the person who capably wears his or her mantle of leadership will permit harmony to exist within the relationship.  And it is within this context of harmony that love can truly exist and flourish.

 Hope that helps quell the anger of anti-tropists out there seeking another noble idiot to skewer!

News Box: W for Whoppsy-whiffling

Originally published on the main site

This brief commentary was written after the conclusion of Beautiful Mind.

What have been pumping up The Asian Drama Philosopher (A-Philosopher)’s Chair all this while are writings and dramas that take their audiences in weird and wonderful directions. W – Two Worlds (available on Viki) tops all dramas in this category so far with twin universes where a faraway river surreally floats up to you in a restroom, taking the metaphorical red pill freezes everyone else and leaves you terrifyingly alone in your expansive, fabricated world, and going on rampage is a literally faceless killer who can take any form (including a vehicle!) and teleport anywhere at anytime without any reason to take down a target so long as Creator wants him to. But now that its webtoon protagonist and his killer have both become self-aware, the former asks why he should be an alcoholic artist's alternate self or a starry-eyed fangirl's plaything while the latter, flashing with pixels of anger, demands an identity. There are elements of shows like Stranger than Fiction, Pleasantville, Dollhouse and, of course, The Matrix here, but the overall setup is rare enough, particularly when it comes to nonwhite lead characters, that it still feels remarkably refreshing.

W is not just a flashy show. Among other topics, it poses hard questions about the psychology of fiction creation. Thought policing can be repulsive and is as yet difficult to perform consistently with precision. Yet, in a strange turn of events, this freedom of thought also accommodates contemplation of the aesthetics of thought, for better or worse. With regards to such aesthetics in storytelling, W wonders if it is pathetic to live vicariously through a character who has everything—youth, success, strength of character—you do not have and if it is repugnant to, for the sake of dramatic tension and venting personal emotions, make a character go through traumatic experiences you would never wish for or be capable of enduring yourself.

Some viewers may not be used to the plot's bizarreness and sensational and slightly complicated twists, but, with sincere respect to fellow commentators who have expressed those views, if we cannot tolerate ideas that challenge the mind and defy conventions in an imaginary reality, how bleak is the prospect of us treating with civility someone who is "different" in our inescapable, physical reality? Fortunately, perhaps thanks to its intense cross-universe romance, W has been the rare mind-bending Korean drama in recent years to attain healthy ratings. All the best to it retaining the champion position for its time slot for the remaining episodes. Fanart creators would be happy to draw in a gigantic medal, and probably few would denounce this as vile.

Purreaucracy

Course Title: Navigation of Bureaucracy with Felines: Strategies for Effective Governance through Collaboration between Human Leaders & Their Whiskered Companions

Overview: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to innovative governance models centered on collaborations between human leadership and felines. This unique approach highlights the advantages of integrating feline attributes and behaviors into decision-making processes to enhance organizational effectiveness and navigate complex bureaucratic systems. Students will gain practical strategies for effective collaboration and problem-solving while fostering harmonious relationships between human leaders and their furry companions.

Week One: Overview: Introduction to Feline-Human Relationships in Decision Making

Understanding Feline Social Structures, Hierarchy, and Communication

Investigate the impact of felines’ social dynamics on group cohesion and hierarchy maintenance

Identify methods to establish positive communication channels between cats and humans

Cultivating Resilience & Adaptability via Kittenhood Trials

Analyze kittens' experiences navigating challenges crucial for success in adulthood

Appraise the parallels between these developmental stages and organizational growth

Establishing Trustworthy Relationships for Efficient Governance

Discover the importance of trust and reciprocity among groups led by both humans and felines

Develop techniques for nurturing long-lasting partnerships founded upon mutual respect and benefit sharing

Week Two: Feline Fundamentals

Topic: Understanding Our Cohabitants: An Overview of Feline Physiology and Psychology Core Reading: “CATWISE: Why Cats Do What They Do,” by Nicky Hallucinochell – Chapter 4: "Body Language," pp. 78–93

Additional Readings / Watchlist:

Article: "Cat Body Language" - Decoding Signals from Meows to Postures [Helpful tips on interpreting cat body language] Video Tutorial Series: "Understanding Your Cat’s Emotions and Body Language" - by Dr. Sarah Ellisuedo [A series featuring expert advice on recognizing cats' emotional states and corresponding physical signals]

Activity Task:

Discussion Prompt: Evaluate the importance of recognizing feline psychological needs and behaviors when collaborating across species boundaries.

Week Three: Comparative Perspective: Human vs. Feline Societies

Topic: Building Shared Goals through Recognition of Parallel Motivations in Humans and Felines Core Reading: “The Way of the Cat: Lessons from Animal Welfare Science,” by Dennis C. Fictioner – Chapter 9: "Communication," pp. 117–134

Additional Readings / Watchlist:

Article: "How Cats and Humans Communicate?" - Insights into Nonverbal Exchange Techniques [Comparisons between human and feline communication styles] Interactive Chart: "Behavior Types Explained" - by PawCulture [Identify feline behaviors and compare them to human equivalents]

Activity Task: Create a table illustrating the parallels and contrasts between feline social structures and human organizational dynamics.

Case Study Discussion Question: Compare and contrast the effectiveness of individualistic and collaborative problem-solving strategies in both humans and felines under stressful conditions.

Week Four: Team Dynamics and Conflict Resolution Topic: Effective Management Practices for Cross-Species Interactions Core Reading: "Working With Cats: Guidelines and Best Practices," by Rachel Nonexistein – Chapter 4: "Handling Confrontation and Disagreement," pp. 107–144 Activity Tasks:

In-Class Activities: 1. Reflective writing exercise: Analyze conflicts from past group projects involving interspecies collaboration; 2. Role play exercises: Mock scenarios demonstrating effective techniques for resolving cross-species disagreements

Textbook Exercises and Quizzes: 1. Review questions evaluating understanding of chapter material; 2. Group quiz focusing on case studies analyzing team conflict resolution in multi-species settings

Week Five: Designing Accessible Spaces for Multifunctionality Topic: Ergonomics and Universal Design for Interspecies Living and Working Environments Core Reading: "Design for Life: The Art and Science Behind Creating Products People Love," by Hwan-sang A. Sova and Sōzō Ierardi-Kawauso – Chapter 7: "Creating Usable Solutions That Transcend Personal Preferences," pp. 115–139 Activity Tasks:

Class Exercise and Presentations: 1. Small groups develop accessibility prototypes addressing diverse needs and abilities within shared environments; 2. Peer presentations showcasing innovative design solutions incorporating universal principles

Research project exploring ergonomic modifications for improving multispecies living spaces (such as furniture adaptations promoting ease of movement, comfort, and safety). This may include interviews with professionals in fields such as veterinary science, zoology, and architectural design specializing in animal habitats or assistive technologies.

Week Six: Summative Project: Navigating Organizational Dynamics Utilizing Multifunctional Animal Competencies

Final capstone project requiring groups to draft a comprehensive proposal outlining their vision for applying multilayered skill sets from both human and feline team members to resolve current professional problems or optimize operations

Peer review and instructor evaluation grading the feasibility, efficiency, scalability, and innovativeness of submitted plans showcasing skills acquired during this course.

Extra Reading Assignments (optional):

Book: “Why Cats Pretend Not To See Each Other” by Rachel Nonexistein, PhD - Introduction, Chapter 1, and Chapter 7 (“Rules and Games”). Excerpts are available online. [Dr. Nonexistein discusses key elements of cat behavior relevant to interspecies collaboration.] Article: "Felines on Film" - Analyzing How Hollywood and International Cinema Portray Feline Behavior, Dynamics, and Persona [Analyze media representations of felines to gain insight into societal perspectives on cat personalities] Online Course/Tutorial: Ethogram Method

Assessment Activities:

Reflective Journal Entries: Throughout the course, students will maintain weekly reflective journal entries, exploring their thoughts, observations, and experiences related to the fusion of feline wisdom and human leadership practices. These entries will provide opportunities for introspection and self-assessment, enabling students to track their progress in comprehending and applying insights from feline co-leadership principles.

Group Project Presentations: See above. In small teams, participants will design creative presentations showcasing their understanding of feline behavioral patterns and how they contribute to effective governance within different contexts (e.g., government organizations, businesses, NGOs, local communities). These projects will facilitate peer interaction, active engagement, and knowledge exchange around real-life scenarios involving interspecies collaboration.

Examinations: There will be one midterm exam and one final exam which dates will be announced later. Examination formats will consist of multiple choice, short answer, and essay question sections, addressing topics such as:

Principles of Cat Cooperation & Communication

Comparison of Feline Social Structures & Hierarchies versus Human Organizations

Theoretical Frameworks Integrating Cat Wisdom with Leadership Practices

Challenges & Benefits Associated with Feline-Inclusive Management Systems

Case Studies Analysis: Application of Feline-Human Interaction Models in Real Life Settings

Formulation of Original Ideas for Augmented Coordination between Humans & Felines Across Divergent Contexts.

01432853.tumblr.com

🌙mer

Under the microscope (2023) - EP5

↑Link to a demo of model student behavior.

Classroom Decorum: No consumption of mustard, garlic or citrus-scented foods. No self-assuming tummy rubs on feline guest speakers. Catcallers face immediate expulsion, lifelong bans from campus grounds, as well as liability to repay all non-employment-based financial aid received to date.

Course Team:

Instructor: Dr. Henrietta J. Whiskerson, Larry-Stubbs Hall 417, Department of Political Science, Levchyk School of Public Affairs, Altama University

Office hours: Wednesday - Friday, 4 pm - 6 pm

Administrative assistant: Laion A. I., who drafted earlier versions of this handout.

Puuung’s Kickstarter Challenge

Love is : Puuung’s illustration of love   Puuung is a popular Korean illustrator with a large fan base and is best known for her ‘Love Is’ series. This series of illustrations, which is about the universal theme of ‘Love’, is regularly uploaded on NAVER’s Grafolio service. http://www.grafolio.com/puuung1

Since 2014, Puuung has uploaded her illustration series ‘Love Is’ every Tuesday and Thursday on Grafolio, a global platform provided by NAVER for single person creators, She already has a wide fan base that eagerly waits for her updated works. She has received great response from the Korean audience and greater response from those overseas.

A global funding was started through “Kickstarter”, the crowdfunding platform, in June 6, to introduce Puuung’s illustrations to more people around the world. Crowdfunding is a way of raising money via the social media or the internet. Kickstarter, which was launched in April of 2009, is based in the United States and is the world’s most famous crowdfunding platform. Now, let’s hear from the designer who has been responsible for the whole process, from planning the Kickstarter reward items to producing samples and coming up with the completed rewards.

Planning the Kickstarter Reward Items While planning rewards items for Puuung’s Kickstarter project, we had to come up with product designs that best displayed the artist’s illustrations. Overseas delivery was also an important factor, and therefore items also had to be compact and light enough so that it can be delivered to people across the world. After looking into various items in numerous price ranges, and upon final review with the artist herself, fabric posters, an art book and a postcard collection were selected as rewards for Puuung’s first Kickstarter funding project.

Launching the Kickstarter Page We needed a webpage that provided detailed information on the reward items in order to start the funding. To do so, we made samples of each reward in advance and launched our Kickstarter page!! https://www.kickstarter.com We waited with great anticipation until 8 o’clock in the morning in Korea, since the project campaign webpage was to be launched in US standard time. And to our great surprise, we achieved our goal of 10,000 dollars within just two hours from the launch of the funding and collected over 126,000 dollars, which was more than 1000% of our target amount, during the one month funding period. In addition, Puuung became the first Korean in Kickstarter to reach third place in the illustration section, which is an enormous feat. More than 1,800 backers from 70 countries, including English speaking countries of the United States and Canada, European nations including France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Asian countries of Singapore and Hong Kong, participated in the funding. Backers will be given rewards such as postcard collections, art book and posters that contain Puuung’s illustrations.

Producing Kickstarter Reward Items The unexpectedly large number of backers meant that we had to increase the number of items we had to produce. Since a limited quantity of rewards was being produced through funding, we wanted to provide backers who love Puuung’s work with high-quality rewards. We therefore placed extreme care into the paper, material and print quality of the rewards. [Fabric Posters] We especially went through many trials and errors while we were producing the sample for the fabric posters. Canvas fabric, the most commonly used material for fabric posters, was unable to provide us with satisfactory print quality. Multiple tests were done with various fabrics before we were able to find a fabric that gave us a print quality that most closely resembled the original illustration.

[Art Book] The art book is 116 pages and contains Puuung’s illustration as well as drawings of three couples that were selected from Puuung’s photo competition event. The background of the illustrations has a lot of detail and illustrations are shown from various angles, so the layout was arranged to show the illustration in its original proportions. The epilogue of the art book contains information fans were interested in, including the artist’s “thank you” message and photos of her workroom, sketches and of herself. Puuung, despite her busy schedule, also created an original cover for the art book and postcard collection that were to be given to Kickstarter backers. This special cover, which contains original and unique illustrations, is only available in the Kickstarter rewards!!

[Postcard Collection] The postcard collection consists of 100 illustrations and contains never-before released illustrations created by Puuung. Comments left by Kickstarter backers, such as “I want to give your illustrations to my son for his one year wedding anniversary” or “I bought your postcard collection because I wanted to use your work in our wedding invitation” show the backers expectation and affection towards Puuung’s art book.

100 copies of the art book contains Puuung’s autograph, which were each carefully signed by the artist herself. We look forward to more of Puuung’s heartwarming illustrations as she continues to draw about even the smallest happiness that is felt between people in love. :-)

Vampire Psychologist For Hire

Human recruiter filling position for psychologist:

You left your gender checkbox blank. It's our fault that the system controls were not fully in place, but I do expect meticulousness from my psychologists.

Vampire graduate who majored in human psychology:

My pronouns are they/them.

Human recruiter:

Ah! I really have to tell the technical team to update the form. I have absolutely no problem with your gender identity or your species. But you only have textbook and secondhand insights into human psychology.

Unlike human psychologists, you don't know what it feels on the inside to be human. Observations and textbook knowledge don't tell you everything. Many things are left unspoken.

Vampire graduate:

While I cannot pretend to know exactly how it feels to be a human, I am willing to work as hard as I can to try to understand the complexities of the human mind and heart, perhaps even harder than the average human candidate. Through studying human literature, observing my own relationships with humans, and developing a strong emotional bond with my human friends and classmates, I have already developed a deep appreciation and understanding of the human psyche that goes beyond mere textbook knowledge or casual observations. While there are certain aspects of the human experience that I do not share, I am confident that my empathy and dedication to the field of psychology more than make up for any lack of firsthand experience.

Human recruiter:

Why should I recruit you when I can just recruit a human top scorer with the same grades?

Vampire graduate:

While a human with the same qualifications may also have a great understanding of humans, they are likely to be inherently biased by their own perspective. I, however, also have the advantage of being able to objectively analyze humans' strengths, weaknesses, and motivations from an outsider perspective.

Additionally, as a member of a paranormal race, I have the ability to manipulate human minds and feelings to improve mental well-being.

Human recruiter:

Mind manipulation? By now, you're stark raving bonkers! How do I know you won't put it to bad use?

Vampire graduate:

As a vampire, I understand the importance of being self-aware and responsible when it comes to my ability to manipulate the emotions and actions of others. I take care to only use this power in situations where it is necessary or beneficial, and to never misuse it for personal gain or at the expense of others. I also make sure to seek consent before using my ability on individuals, and I always prioritize their safety, comfort, and well-being.

Human recruiter:

That's what you'd say of course. I have no reason to trust you.

Vampire graduate:

I understand your skepticism and reticence. In a world dominated by humans, it is often difficult for vampires like myself to be seen as anything other than predators or manipulative. However, while it may be challenging, this does not mean that it is impossible for you to trust me. In the end, trust is built through communication and understanding, which is why I have been open and honest with you about my ability to manipulate minds and my intentions in using this ability.

Trust is also earned over time. I think if you give me a chance to prove myself on the job, with ample supervision at the start, you will be able to put aside your hesitations about working with a vampire by and by. The best way to find out if i'm good at my job is not through urban legends, groundless hearsay or unscientific mob opinion but to give me a shot and see how things work out.

I can even agree to a contract outlining specific guidelines for how I will use my vampire abilities, and what steps we can take to ensure that my mind manipulation is always used in a beneficial way.

Human recruiter:

Hmmm. Excellent pitch. But it sounds too good to be true. For one thing, I need to review the clinical evidence and adverse effects records later. And why should I be the first to hire a vampire as a psychologist? I prefer someone tried and tested.

Vampire graduate:

If you would like to work with experienced practitioners, that is certainly your prerogative. However, it is often beneficial to have a fresh perspective on a problem, and working with a vampire psychologist can provide that. Please consider what I have to offer.

Human recruiter:

It's true. We have clients who remain unyielding to all the therapy regimes out there. Psychology has improved by leaps and bounds but is still an inexact science. We do need fresh ideas.

Vampire graduate:

Please also remember other positive traits of the vampire race. For example, I can live for millennia in the absence of mishaps. During my long lifespan, I can examine numerous times more clients than human colleagues are capable of. The synergistic effect of that extensive experience and my unique perspective will empower me to generate breakthroughs in therapeutic innovations.

Human recruiter:

Cool, but the manner in which you're comparing yourself against your human colleagues before you even start your job is concerning. Psychologists are not melodramatic lone heroes. We often need to engage in teamwork with one another in order to serve clients in a therapeutic setting. This can be in the form of team discussions about a client's treatment plan or case, collaboration on the research of a particular issue or hypothesis, or even simply supporting each other as we help clients through treatment. Are you sure you'll be a good team player?

Vampire graduate:

That is a valid point. I apologize for the misimpression. While professional independence is important, collaboration and teamwork are equally essential. I don't view my vampire heritage as something that makes me better or worse than my colleagues, it's simply a part of who I am and a source of unique strengths and flaws. As a member of the greater psychological community, I am committed to collaborating with my colleagues to help our clients in the best possible way. Thank you for the reminder to be a supportive team player.

Human recruiter:

OK. A critical question: HOW do I know you won't succumb to the temptation of your overworked co-workers' and vulnerable clients' blood? You may have excellent grades for your degrees in human psychology, but what about vampire psychology? I can risk neither the life of whichever assessor I assign for your probationary period nor those of all the appointees you see in the reception area outside, who have entrusted their welfare to our practice.

Vampire graduate:

I can understand that the possibility of a vampire drinking human blood is a concern, especially in a field like psychology that works so closely with humans. However, you have nothing to worry about in that regard. I have testimonials from my professors—

Human recruiter:

Ah, yes. But the academic world is nothing like the messy real world of full-time working adults. Our educational system in Typingland is so infantile it requires hardly any practical experience like internships to earn a PsyD. Your self-control may be stretched to its limits by manipulative patients, vitriolic parents and unsuccessfully forestalled suicides, although I must say most clients in our practice are incredibly sweet in spite of their personal difficulties.

Vampire graduate:

The work of psychologists is indeed strenuous. Nevertheless, my lifestyle has given me a strong foundation for coping with the stress.

Human recruiter:

The lifestyle of a vampire?

Vampire graduate:

As a vampire, I understand that I have certain physical and psychological needs, but I have taken many steps to ensure that these are met in a safe and ethical way that don't involve living humans. My physical needs can be met through a diet of donated blood, while my emotional needs can be met through strong professional boundaries, self-care practices, and maintaining a strong support network.

I regularly engage in personal wellness practices such as meditation and physical activity to maintain my emotional and mental vitality. I also check in with my psychologist for vampires at least once a month, adjusting the frequency with the stress I experience and the intensity of the blood thirst at any given time. This helps to provide a safe space for me to express and process my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It also gives me the opportunity to practice managing my blood thirst through a variety of behavioral and mindfulness techniques.

If you would like, I can arrange for my psychologist to send you an evaluation report.

Human recruiter:

I'm deeply impressed. (Claps and shakes head in awe.) I must say that I've never met a candidate, human or vampire, with your level of dedication. Quite a number of the psychologists I know have undergone depression themselves in the course of this emotionally draining and underpaid work but were late in seeking professional intervention. They need to learn a thing or two from newbies like you.

Vampire graduate:

Oh, why, thank you!

Human recruiter:

However—I'm afraid our clientele and the public won't share my sentiments.

You may think I've been demanding and prejudiced, but the others? They won't even sit down like this to sift through your personal history or examine your well-crafted arguments. Public attention to the fanciful layers and facets, okay, just layers and facets, to marginalized demographics like yours has been fleeting to start with and pretty much vaporized in a Tiktokified economy. Social media?? It's a wasteland made up of countless virtual enclaves out there. Every phone zombie just scrolls past news and advocacy messages that don't amuse them or address their own problems. And algorithms?? Gawd! Don't. Even. Get. Me. Started. On. Algorithms.

What people out there will get with their precious microseconds for us, though, is that our practice is employing a dangerous and powerful person, if they would even see you as a person at all, to work on fragile humans in despair.

Look, we don't need bloody fangs and the bat wing stuff to further complicate the ongoing uphill battle of getting psychological condition sufferers to walk through our doors.

Welp . . . I'm sorry for my bluntness. I tend to let down my guard when I'm not in front of clients. You're a fine young vampire who deserves better.

Vampire graduate:

(Momentary silence.)

(Soars over to fan human recruiter with their bat wings while slightly frowning to themselves.)

Those are indeed tough challenges. How about this? Let's start by offering virtual sessions for clients who would feel more comfortable initially meeting with me through a video conference. This can help to gradually introduce me to them in a non-threatening environment and allow them to get to know me better before they agree to meet in person.

We can complement that with an on-site "try-out" session for clients who remain hesitant to work with me or lack technological access or digital literacy. A try-out session could involve a brief, low-stakes meeting where clients can meet me, ask questions, and get a sense of my approach before deciding whether to continue with therapy. This can help to build trust and rapport with them, and give them a chance to see that I am interested in helping them and can provide effective treatment.

As we graduate to proper therapy sessions and make good progress on cases, we can highlight statistics, success stories and testimonials from past clients who have worked with me, and emphasize my ability to provide effective treatment. That is, with their consent and proper anonymization of course. Given your practice's reputation for integrity, the credibility of anonymized feedback should not be a problem.

Perhaps, I can even make up for the reputation risk at the beginning by offering fun, one-of-a-kind indoor levitation experiences that are a soother of the nerves and a break from the mundaneness of everyday life. The experiences would also attract potential clients otherwise resistant to treatment because of public perceptions of psychotherapists as rigid doctrine-driven professionals, who they think won't understand their unique struggles and decision rationale, like reasons for investing all their time in an unstable line of work or sticking with a violent spouse. They are stress relievers no one can find in self-help books or chat responses from even the best of AI technology!

Human recruiter:

W—ow. I'm tempted to try that levitation myself. I have to think about your proposals and discuss them with the others.

There's just one last thing that I don't understand, and anyone, whatever the temperature of their blood, can sense this coming from miles away.

Vampire graduate:

Please go ahead.

Human recruiter:

Why a career in human psychology? Wouldn't you face less discrimination and be more at home with vampire psychology?

Vampire graduate:

I've always been fascinated by humans and their unique abilities to adapt and survive without paranormal powers, especially the human capacity for empathy. It's been my dream since I was young to study the human mind, to explore the depths of their emotions and figure out what truly motivates them.

Many people think that clinical counselling is about entering broken minds, but it is simultaneously about tapping the power of the marvelous human stores of mental resilience, mental flexibility and boundless optimism.

The wonders and possibilities of human psychology energize me. They keep me going every day despite the uncertainties of my chosen career path and the suspicion and taunts I get. I am one of those who believe that you can flourish in the long term only if you are emotionally invested in what you do.

Human recruiter:

Even if you don't end up on our team, I have no regrets taking time to interview you. It's been a great pleasure exploring the awe-inspiring sides and possible futures of our field with you. This sounds cliché but I sincerely mean it: I wish you the very best in your psychologist career.

Cast

Human recruiter Human (with two AI -dubbed lines)

Vampire graduate AI (with human stand-ins in various instances)

Shrinkflated Reincarnation

soapver4.tumblr.com

The Busy Deaths of Death

Remake Idea: Death, clad in black feathers, twirls a pink rose glistening with mysterious dew between her long fingers: What's in a scene? T

ML: This is what I'm saying in the title: shrinkflated reincarnation!

Death: (In Park So-dam's sweet voice) The black math works fine. Let S be soul autonomy measured in fractions of its full possible extent.

S=½+¼+⅛+…, with new terms as good as 0 as the list goes on.

Multiply both sides by 2.

2S=1+½+¼+…=1+S

Subtract S from both sides.

S=1

Lo and behold, you enjoy full soul autonomy, beautifully split over infinite lifetimes in the remake. Next aggrieved soul.

ML: Send me back to my original show!

Warning: Viewers expressed discomfort with the extreme sadism in episode 5 of the original K-drama.

whalejellycs.github.io

Whale Map

Interactively explore satellite image distribution of four 🐳 species

Young-woo's tastefully assembled room provided the very first blueprint.

Ceramics Yoga, Anyone?

The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. (Ernest Hemingway)

There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. (Leonard Cohen)

Luminescent Scars: As light pours into a cavernous space, participants in ballet tights practice their yoga poses within its ceramic-like, curved walls crisscrossed with fracture lines. Powdered gold, copper, brass, silver or platinum fill the lines. The instructor, in shimmering tights, is one of the bundles of rays that have descended to the weary and wounded. Shadows of other scar lines flit across participants’ bodies from time to time in acknowledgment of feelings all around, before transforming into waves of light. The above quotes reproduced by Critical Dance from program notes of Aurum, a ballet set in motion before such patterned backdrops, have told us the art form kintsugi’s ideal of embracing and growing more beautiful through broken parts. Ceramic surfaces portrayed across the sessions hail from a number of masterful or storied wares

:: Full concept ::

Tumblr

Post by @soapver4 · 2 videos

💬 0  🔁 1  ❤️ 2 · Many-Worlds Liminal Yoga · Physical Experience Bubble: A breathtaking network of yoga complexes and outdoor yoga locations

Seasonal bows 🌸🌿🍂❄️

nothing has made me feel like an ancient grumpy crone more than the “using chatgpt for school is fine actually” sentiment among youths