Doctor John Highlights Pain

Medical shows are popular.  Some like watching the guts, some like the life and death decisions and some are roped in by the romantic links.  "Doctor John" (2019) presents a lot of complexities of pain and the end of life and oh yes, links.

This series starts in a prison.  We are soon introduced to one prisoner Cha Yo-han who somehow, with scant information is able to diagnose difficult medical situations.  We learn he had been convicted of performing euthanasia on a murderer who had killed two young daughters of a prominent person.

We are also introduced to a romantic interest, Kang Shi-young.  She was brought to the prison by her uncle who was in charge, to use her as a temporary medical person.  When she is interrupted by the diagnoser she asks if he is a doctor and he replies "no".  They have a short interaction in which he demonstrates an amazing ability to diagnose.

A year or so passes and he has been released from prison and is able to be employed at a hospital where Shi-young works, that is managed by her relatives.  We learn that her father is in a coma and she is blamed for involvement with the accident that caused the injury.  Over time we learn that Yo-han is immune to pain which might sound like a good thing, but the problem is he can suffer injury or disease and not know it.  Over time it is revealed he takes detailed precautions.

There is a nurse in the hospital Chae Eun-jeong who vehemently opposes Yo-han for the killing of the children murderer and she aligns with a legal prosecutor, Son Seok-ki.  Throughout the series they are looking for a chance to prosecute Yo-han and take away his medical license.

Some authorities want Doctor John to be dismissed when they learn he does not experience pain, rationalizing he can't understand patients.  He says that pain is a communication, telling where your body has a problem. 

The series is a forum on euthanasia and other end of life issues.  Aside from the initial situation when Doctor John euthanized a murderer there are some other cases that force a viewer to see another perspective.

In one case a mixed martial arts fighter is on the verge of death and had issued a no resuscitation notification, however Doctor John had diagnosed an underlying medical issue and was able to revive him.  There was concern that he defied the notification and at first, the fighter was upset.

1n another dilemma, a former female movie star had a cancer on her nose that forced one eye to move in a grotesque manner.  She had wanted to contact Swiss authorities that could arrange assisted suicide.  Everyone recognized there was no cure and intense pain.  She was encouraged to see her son who she said earlier she did not want him to remember her in this horrifying manner.   After being persuaded, at the meeting time her son said he was too scared.  This prompted her move to the top of a building and after begging for a better way to die, she jumped.  She was rescued and with difficulty intubated, but someone turned off the ventilator.  That action was charcterized as attempted murder.  This case has a relatively "happy" ending as her son did accept her and express his love.  

Assisted dying is difficult in South Korea.  Some have applied to go to Switzerland to end their suffering, but apparently the government can prosecute anyone who accompanies them.  There may be exceptions, but they are very resdtricted and rare.  The movie advocates a humane way of dealing with unending suffering.

Most movies strive to be realistic to sell their story.  Here are some of those who brought the idea of this series to life.

Young Hwan-Kim was the director with 6 directing credits.

Ji Woon Kim was the writer.  He has 4 writing credits including "Melancholia" (2021) and "When the Phone Rings" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/01/when-phone-rings.html

Moon Seong-nam was involved with the music.  He has 24 composing credits.

Ji Sung played Cha Yo-han.  He has 31 acting credits.

Lee Se-yeong played Kang Shi-young.  She has 34 acting credits and 1for soundtrack.

Kim Hye-eun played Min Tae-kyeon, a senior doctor and mother to Shi-young.  She was a television weather forecaster for several years before getting into films.  She has 35 acting credits including "Itaewon Class" (2019) and "Twenty-five Twenty-one" (2021).  

Shin Dung-mi played Chae Eun-jeong who had had a daughter murdered by the man that Yo-Jon had euthanized.  She has 43 acting credits including "A Hard Day" (2014) and "Welcome to Samdal-ri" (2023).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/06/welcome-to-sandal-ri.html  

Lee Kyoo-hyung played Son Seok-ki, the lawyer wanting to prosecute Yo-hon.  He was involved in theater, especially musical.  He has 31 acting credits.

For some, this may be a difficult movie to stomach, but for many others it is mind opening about things we would rather not think about.  In some ways it is hopeful.  You can catch it on Netflix subtitled.  I recommend it. 

What's after Donald Trump?

 It is a little presumptuous to predict the future, especially in such volatile times.  However, one way or another, sooner or later, Trump will be gone.  Will Americans have learned a lesson?  How about Republicans?

Polling has been trending downward and Trump is concerned about his MAGA base.  Talking about altering elections, perhaps claiming a national emergency.   In the months in between conservative forces will try to control who can vote.  The Texas gerrymandering may backfire as it has been pointed out many Texas Republican districts have been weakened.  Some of their efforts might create heavy protests and even the Supreme Court might rebel against anti democratic efforts.  Never admit mistakes has been a major part of Trump's strategy.

From February of 2026 it seems unlikely he can be ousted, but almost every Republican up for re-election will have some difficult decisions:  retire, seek other employment, change their policy votes and public statements or maybe just hang in there to grab what power might be available?  Might there be a scramble to take advantage of new opportunities?  There will always be opportunities for ambitious people, especially if they have low morals.  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/07/trump-as-tool.html

At the moment it would take only a few Republicans to stymie some of Trump's wishes, but they fear repercussions.  International leaders are trying to align themselves to soften the blows and perhaps force a few retreats.  If Republican legislators wait too long for decisive action they further increase the risk of losing and further tainting their reputation.  It does seem likely the House of Representatives will cut Trump's power significantly.

Depending on how the Senate midterms turn out, impeachment may be realistic or some other legal remedy.  What will the remaining Republican legislators do?  What about all the Trump appointees?  He has appointed countless people based on loyalty, to positions that affect everyone.  His influence will linger until after he is removed from office. 

Notwithstanding unforeseen events it seems likely the Democrats will take over in 2028.  They have their own agenda, but part will be to undo much of the Trump agenda.

How will Democrats approach the future?  In 2024 I thought Kamala Harris was the best candidate, period.  She didn't win, and many Democrats will rule her out because of race and gender.  (see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/09/the-choice.html  Gavin Newsom, another prospect from California is handsome and articulate.   Pete Buttigieg with his intelligence and demeanor would be ideal, but unlikely to get a real chance.  Part of the harm done by Trump has been his selection of advisors (or really executors) based on loyalty.  Democrats have a history of choosing on merit and diversity of opinion and have a lot of possible suitable advisors.

A couple of issues to deal with.

War:  There are a number of sore spots such as Ukraine, Venezuela, Cuba, Greenland, Europe, Iran, Palestine, China, India and of course Canada.  Americans will realize they are stronger when they get along with the rest of the world.  Putin is proving to be a masterful manipulator.

Immigration:  Yes, bad people have crossed the border and will continue to struggle to boost their standard of living.  On the other hand America actually needs immigrants and as their population ages the need will become more desperate.  Increasingly older adults and working mothers will need helpers in a variety of tasks.  Innovation is spurred by diversity and will be needed in a competitive world.  Many prospects will have been discouraged and distrustful.  They may seek alternatives--Canada would be a logical choice.

Environment:  Climate change is creeping up and becoming increasingly difficult to reverse.  There will still be lots of resistance, but the government will need to be more active in correcting misinformation coming from ignorance and vested interests.  The true power of United States comes from setting a good example.

Healthcare:  More people recognize the importance of healthcare for the nation.  It is not only that financing cures are more expensive than preventing illness, but good health is good for the economy.

Tariffs:  It has been proven that tariffs do not encourage international co-operation.  Basically they raise domestic prices and narrow choices.  That some are raised because Trump has a difference of opinion with foreign leaders is despicable.

Taxes have always been an election tool, but eventually the bills have to be paid or there will be even more serious consequences.  The wealthy thrive in a growing economy and are in position to exploit opportunities, but they will have to share the burden of running the government.  Progressive taxation needs to tilt more against the already wealthy.  A good economy for all is a good economy for the rich.

Crime is another emotional issue.  Yes, there will always be a need for enforcing laws and hopefully including fraud of various kinds.  Obama once said that inequality is a cause of crime.  Dealing with it requires skills, training and money.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (D.E.I.) has been attacked as discrimination.  The real need is for equality of opportunity.  Education is a key with a special effort to identify and develop talents.  When a minority gets their foot in the door they are able to widen the opening.  

Of course there are many, many details.  One major change that could expedite everything else would be electoral reform.  This is a very complex issue, but a good start would be to legislate against gerrymandering.  America has a first past the post system that discourages many from voting, realizing (or assuming) their vote won't make any difference.  Most voters try to analyze complex packages of policies.  A proportional system has proved to increase voter turnout, longevity, income equality, environmental improvements and according to some scientific surveys, happiness.  Those who got elected under the present electoral system will resist changes.

I am sure someone has set up betting odds for various possibilities.  Voters need to focus on what is best for them, but also what is best for the nation and the world, because in the long run that is what is best for everyone.

Louis Riel and the Metis force in Canada

When describing Canada, one group that is often overlooked, is the Metis but they formed an historical foundation for the country.  When North America was initially commercially exploited it was by fur traders originating primarily from France, England and Scotland.  Inevitably the Europeans were aided by indigenous people.  European women were not encouraged to enter the wilderness so before long the European men formed relations with indigenous women and half breeds resulted, later termed Metis.  They were logical middle men between the Europeans and the various indigenous tribes.  The women were a critical part of the transactions.

Some baggage I carry.  Reading about the Metis and Louis Riel it is obvious there was a lot of strife and racism.  Doing the family tree I realized on both of my grandparents there were members of the Orange Lodge, who weren't necessarily violent, but definitely anti-Catholic.

 I was aware that my one grandmother had a nephew visit her fairly often even when we moved from Oshawa to Haliburton.  He was the son of a brother who had lived in Manitoba.  At one time my grandmother had gotten tired of her boyfriend not willing to get married so she went out to visit her two brothers.  The strategy seemed to work as she came back and got married.  My father, an only child was born when she was 44 and must have seemed a miracle.  Reading the history of Manitoba I realize the two brothers had to have moved there likely in the late 1800's or early 1900's, probably supplanting Metis and natives.  The nephew, Bruce Clark was a little older than my father and during the Depression was sent to work with my grandfather-Bruce had a son, Ted my second cousin, and I socialized a bit with him.   He was a grade or two above me at the same high school and was a social leader,-a likeable guy for sure.  I learned that the Davidsons and Clarks shared gravesites in Oshawa.

John A MacDonald, the man credited with Canadian Confederation carried a lot of baggage, similar to many living at that time.  Born in Scotland he wanted to stop America trying to take over British North America.  After Confederation he became conscious that American settlers were expanding to what was then northwestern Canada.  To stop this he sent settlers and military to the same area.  The Metis and indigenous were already there and feeling forced from their life style.  MacDonald felt the British was the model and others needed to be blended in.  He encouraged the residential schools to turn indigenous children to English children.  He needed Chinese to build the CPR, but imposed a Chinese head tax.  Without his efforts it is possible that Americans would gradually have gained control.

Louis Riel was born in 1844 in the Red River Colony, near present day Winnipeg, Manitoba.  At age 14 he had been identified as not only above average intelligence, but also faithful and was sent to Montreal to train for the priesthood..  He left after his father's death and traveled in America.  He had been rejected by the father of a woman he had formed a relationship with which affected him deeply..

By 1868 troubles were stirring in Red River and Riel's mother asked him to return.  After Confederation, surveyors moved in and the Metis found Ottawa was not recognizing their property rights.  The Government surveyers put lots in a square format whereas the Metis  used a seigneurial system that had long lots that ended by  a river.  John A. MacDonald appointed the anti-French William McDougall as Lieutenant-Governor for the North West Territory. 

Riel was a passionate and eloquent speaker.  He was recognized as a leader and chosen to represent Metis interests.  Important to note, that he was supported by the priests in the Red River area.  Riel's group representing a provisional government blocked McDougall and forced him into exile.  In 1870 he led a group of Metis supporters including some English settlers to take over Fort Garry and imprison those opposed.  Orange Lodge members were prominent and  vociferous.  Thomas Scott and Charles Boulton were two of the many that escaped and were re-captured.   Boulton was condemned to be executed, but upon an appeal was pardoned by Riel.

Thomas Scott decides to issue some very harsh criticism and although nothing he did was a capital offense he was  condemned to execution and this time Riel was not willing to pardon.  To me this seems the result of insensitivity to insults and threats and would haunt future efforts.  There was a real threat to stop the Metis movement.

Proving sometimes violence does pay off, less than two months later after direct talks between John A. MacDonald and Metis negotiators, Manitoba is made a province and admitted into Confederation.  No guarantee of amnesty for Riel or his supporters.  An army expedition to the Northwest to quell American expansionism also quells the Metis.  Riel flees and is soon officially exiled.  Riel while in exile is elected to Parliament three times, but is unable to take his seat in Parliament.   

While Riel was in the States the strife moved to what became Saskatchewan and Gabriel Dumont invited him to boost resistance.  MacDonald, back in power after a major scandal was determined to complete the railroad and the Metis appeared an obstacle.  This time the priests were against Riel.  There were a number of battles and the Metis were subdued and Riel captured.

There were many who wanted to see Riel executed, including MacDonald.  Two defenses were pointing out Riel was by now an American citizen, so couldn't be treasonous or that he was insane.  He felt he was a Canadian so would not use the citizenship excuse.  There were many legitimate instances that supported the insanity claims such as acknowledged religious hallucinations.  Although aware that if determined guilty he would be executed, he conceded he might be considered insane he also rejected this excuse.  The judge and jury were stacked and although France, United States and England urged mercy and Quebec had many supporters Riel was hung.

What is his legacy?  Today there are over 300,000 Metis enrolled across Canada plus others who self identify. Manitoba had its first Metis Premier, John Norquay back in 1874 and presently have Wab Kinew as their first Ojibway premier.  The French Metis have maintained much of their unique culture, but the English and Scottish Metis have been blended more.  They certainly were critical for how Canada has developed and the rest of us need to remember that.

I am not comfortable with how Riel and the Metis were presented to me in elementary and primary grades.  There has likely been some improvements and more Canadians better understand  how the Metis have contributed to our culture and national strength.

To close, I would quote the author Joseph Boyden (himself a Metis):  "Progress in all its forms should serve us and not it."

Can This Love be Translated

 One of my favorite binging activities is watching Korean romance comedy series. Like all such they rely on misunderstandings and obstacles.  And there is usually some serious dilemma when we are not laughing.

The female lead, Cha Mu-hee was a journeyman actress when visiting Japan.  She didn't speak Japanese. only English and Korean. --She accidentally met the interpreter, Ho-jin and a series of awkward moments that ended when they got separated by a train and Ho-jin disappeared.  She understood he had hoped to meet a woman he wanted to meet on this her birth day, but we learned that didn't happen.  A short time after she is in a horror movie and because of an accident (that puts her in a coma) it leads to her stardom.  We learn later she was visited by Ho-jin (and others).  She also learn the name of the woman he was pursuing who turned out to be a tv producer in Korea.  Awhile later we learn Ho-jin's brother was her steady boyfriend/fiancee

After her accident Mu-hee seems to hallucinate her film character, Do-Ra-Mi and then later she develops a split personality adopting her film character that for awhile confuses Ho-jin (and others) who seems to be developing feelings for her even though her alter ego is very brutal to him.  That is a lot to remember, but there is lots more and it all makes romantic sense.

A lot of talent went into this series.  Here are a few.

Yoo Young-eun was the director.  She has 4 assistant director credits.

Hong Jeong-eun was a writer.  She has 16 writing credits.

Ju Yeon Park was a producer.  He has 9 producing credits including "Vincenzo" (2021) and "Queen of Tears" (2024)  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/queen-of-tears.html

Choi In-hee was the composer.  She has 10 years experience as composer and music director.

Kim Young-jin and Keeha Choi were cinematographers.

Kim Hyung sook was the editor.

Kim Seon-ho played Ho-jin, the interpreter.  He had been involved with the theatre, but finished his military service before acting in films.  He was elevated to leading man status because fans were displeased that he played second fiddle too often.  Seon-ho  has 16 acting credits and 2 soundtrack including "Strongest Deliveryman" (2017) "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" (2021) and "When Life Gives You Tangerines" (2024)   See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/10/hometown-cha-cha-cha-another-delightful.html and http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/04/when-life-gives-you-tangerines.html

Go Youn-jung, played Mu-Hee and Do-Ra-Mi .  She was a model before getting into films.  She has 11 acting credits.

Sota Fukushi played Hiro, the Japanese actor who became a rival to Ho-jin.  He has 60 acting credits, 1 for directing and 1 for writing.

Lee Yi-Dam played Ji-Seon, the girl friend of his brother (and his secret crush).  She has 8 acting credits including "Daily Dose of Sunshine" (2023).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/11/daily-dose-of-sunshine.html 

Choi Woo-Sung played Kim Young-woo, Mu-Hee's manager.  He has 11 acting credits and 3 for directing including "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" (2020) and "Melancholia" (2021).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/03/its-okay-not-to-be-okay.html

Im Chul-so played supporting staff.  Got his start acting in theatre.  Chul-so has 19 acting credits including "Crash Landing on You" (2019), "When the Phone Rings" (2024) and "Our Unwritten Seoul" (2025).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/02/crash-landing-on-you-very-addicting.html and http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/06/our-unwritten-seoul.html

More than an episode was filmed in both Canada and Italy as well as Korea.  Available on Netflix subtitled or dubbed.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favorite Korean films and a big part of my Korean obsession.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

Yojimbo,

Akira Kurosawa is considered a Japanese master film maker and by many, "Yojimbo" (1961) his considered his best.  

"Yojimbo" is basically a story about a wandering samurai looking for something to do.  He sees an opportunity when he discovers two quarreling gangs.  As he put it "I make money from killing.  This town has a lot of people deserving to die."  

There are a few instances where he demonstrates his killing ability, but mainly he set the two factions against each other.  He settles the town and at the end moves on.  He never really gave his name.  When he is asked he looks around and sees a mulberry field and proclaims "mulberry field."

It may seem fairly simple, but there were a lot of talented people.  Here are a few.

We have to start with Akira Kurosawa who was director, writer, producer and editor.  He began as a painter and later on he painted full scale story boards for his films.  In 1936 he worked as an assistant director and starting in 1942 he became a director and spotted a promising book, then got the movie rights ahead of competition, but he did run into censorship problems with the Japanese authorities claiming it was too British/American and eventually they got 18 minutes cut out.  His next film in 1944 he decided to direct a film on female munitions workers and the actresses rebelled at some rules with one actress chosen to voice their complaints.  He ended up marrying her for the rest of her life.  After the Americans took over he had a few problems with their censors, but he felt pointed in a new better way.  In 1990 he was awarded a special Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

In "Roshomon" (1951) depicted a crime from four conflicting perspectives.  Members of his cast confronted Kurosawa about the script wanting to know what it all means.  He responded that the movie is a reflection of life and life does not always have a clear meaning.

Akira has 85 credits as writer, 33 as director, 25 as assistant director and many as an editor including "One Wonderful Sunday" (1949), "Ikiru" (1950), "The Idiot" (1951), "Seven Sumurai" (1954), "The Hidden Fortress" (1958), "High and Low" (1963),  "Dersu Uzala" (1975), "Kagemusha" (1980), "Dreams" 1990) and "Rhapsody in August" (1991).

Masaru Sato was the composer.  He was raised in Sapporo,  He developed a taste for jazz, especially like Quincey Jones.  Masuru had 305 composing credits, 12 for the music department and 7 for soundtrack including "Seven Samurai" (1954).

Kazuo Miyagawa was the cinematographer.  He trained in ink painting.  He went from laboratory technician to assistant camera man.  Kazuo was the inventor of the bleach bypass optic and was also noted for his tracking.  He had 138 cinematography credits, 4 for the animation department and 1 for the camera and electrical department including "Roshomon" (1951). 

Yoshiro Maraki was the production designer.  He explained in the special bonus that he had been asked by Kurosawa to find a severed hand for a dog to carry for one scene.  With the help of one of the actors he was successful.  Yoshiro has 62 production designer credits, 16 for art directer and 4 for the art department including "Kagemusha" (1980) and "Rhapsody in August" (1990).

Toshiro Mifune played the lone samurai and was one of Kurosawa's favorite actors.  He was born in Japanese occupied China and consequently is fluent in Mandarin.  He was drafted by Japan and joined the Air Force and was involved in aerial photography during WWII.  A follower of American cinema he was critical of how the Japanese depicted the impact of a bullet; just a puff of smoke.  He had 186 acting credits, 15 for producing and 1 for directing including "The Idiot" (1951), "Roshomon" (1951), "Seven Samurai" (1954), "The Hidden Fortress" (1958), "High and Low" (1963) and "Shogun" (1980) plus at least one in Mexico.  

Tatsuya Nakadai played a leader of one of the gangs.  He was discovered by director Masaki Kobayashi.  A theatrical actor, he and his wife founded an acting school.  He has 184 acting credits and 2 for soundtrack including "When a Woman Ascends the Stairs" (1960), "High and Low" (1963) "Kagemusha" (1980).

Because of relatively poor resources before and just after WWII, the Japanese were innovative and the world wide cinema has benefited greatly.  I watched this film on a DVD with some insightful extras.  I do recommend it, but especially for those who appreciate cinema history.

I have done posts on many interesting Japanese films, but the following post gives a base:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/03/japanese-movies-are-more-than-godzilla.html

Influence: Want to get More?

This is a unique sales book as it is not just for sales people.  Robert B. Cialdini describes himself as a "patsy" as he is an easy sell.  As a psychology researcher he became curious about how it was done on him.  In this regard the book is mainly about what he calls "compliance professionals" and "compliance  practitioners" either of which you might fall into.  On the other hand, he occasionally offers antidotes so everyone can benefit from reading this book, which is perhaps the best sales book I have read.

He quotes Alfred North. "Civilization advances by extending the number of operations we can perform without thinking about them."  That means a lot of our decisions are made with little thought.

7 Strategies that have been used on you or you have used on others are the core of his book.  They are reciprocity, social proof, liking, authority, commitment and consistency, scarcity and unity.  His research has given persuasion a scientific basis and his anecdotes make them more understandable.

There are many decisions we frequently make and for the most part we use heuristics, that are just mental short cuts.  For instance "expensive is good" or "inexpensive is cheap", both of which are reliably true, but can be misleading. 

Reciprocity is simply if you give something to another person you might expect something in return.  It can be something concrete (like a sample), a favor or a concession.  One interesting example was with the Watergate break in, that on the surface was very risky with not much payoff.  However one member of the group started with an even more outlandish plan involving much more money and risk and it was rejected by all the other members of the tight group.  A second proposal was about half the cost and, it too was rejected.  The other members were exasperated and ended up accepting a third proposal that cost about 1/4 of the original.  It was a dumb decision that was partly the result of concessions made in return for agreement.

Often the person who made the concession feels more in control by steering the decision closer to their preference.

As a side issue that demonstrates the author's contention on how to get others to like you is with the partial failures of school desegregation.  Most liberals felt it would work when blacks and whites were in contact, but it didn't work in many cases.  The author pointed out that blacks were mostly disadvantaged in situations where they competed in classroom for attention.  Cialdini felt it would (and did) work better when students were encouraged to be co-operative to achieve mutual goals.

Social proof acts as a reassurance that one is not the only one making a decision.  Netflix, just by pointing out the popularity of a film increased its popularity.  Another example would be during Covid, many would not wear a mask until they saw others wearing masks.

Using authority as a strategy means relying at least in part on a title that suggests expertise.  As consumers we are often approached this way and when it really reflects expertise and is relevant we should pay attention.  The author points out methods to buttress authority, but also tells consumers to check the expertise and just as important, determine the relevance.  An expert in physics is not necessarily knowledgeable or relevant to climate change.

When something is scarce or becoming scarce, generally it is considered more valuable.   Prospects can become afraid of losing something they want (or might want).  In the game of love, a partner taken for granted can become more desired when a romantic rival appears.  Cialdini feels to protect yourself you should realize ownership and enjoyment are two separate things and before you make a choice bear that in mind.  Also realize that scarcity can be deceiving or manipulated.

 Another perspective on scarcity and how you might deal with it:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/12/scarcity.html

If I can get you to commit to something you can often be persuaded to continue to a consistent agreement.  Nobody wants to appear inconsistent.  An example given is with the Chinese prison staff during the Korean War that seeks only a small agreement from one of their American prisoners, but are able to eventually get written and signed statements supporting a Chinese view.  One of their tools was to block outgoing mail to soldiers that wanted their families to know they were alive.

Anwar Sadat was known to flatter someone by suggesting they had an excellent reputation.  Then to be consistent they were encouraged to move closer to his position.

To avoid the consistency trap it is important to nip it in the bud.  At first chance claim you are not chained to previous commitments.

The seventh strategy is labeled"'unity" that points out we prefer to interact with those most like us.  Obviously family can be decisive.  Anyone can stretch things to find a common point of unity.  Common examples are race, ethnicity, gender, favorite sports teams and musical tastes.  One example was how a Jewish rabbi explained to Japanese administrators (allied with Nazis) that what the two of them had in common was they were both Asian and that alleviated suffering.

Unity can also be abused and the author gives at least two examples:  labor unions and Catholic clergy that he maintains protect abusers amongst their members.  In a personal example Cialdini had been called on as an expert witness and found himself on a legal team determined to defeat an opposition, no matter what facts opposed them.

Ethics plays a role in his philosophy.  We should not allow ourselves to be railroaded under a unity strategy that abuses others.  One piece of paper I keep with me is a quote from Benjamin Franklin:  "For having lived long I have experienced many instances by being obliged by better information or fuller consideration to change opinions even on important subjects which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise."

We now live in a world where most of the information is less than 15 years old and we need time to process it.  With all the future changes we will find ourselves deciding on smaller reliable strategies.

I have been a professional compliancer and would like to think I have always been honest, but that would be stretching things a little bit.  I have in fact walked away from opportunities to make money that made me feel uncomfortable and I have tried to present a true case for whatever I was trying to sell.  Robert B. Cialdini points out all the strategies he has told us about are legitimate, but are also subject to abuse.  Unlike most sales books he tells us how to minimize abuses against us.  Thank you.

There is a lot of value in "Influence" that can't be covered in a blog post.  This book was highly recommended by Daniel Pink and it has sold over 5 million copies.  There; I am using social proof and authority for you to consider.

Labyrinth of Lies--A German Attempt to cleanse

 "Labyrinth of Lies" starts in 1958. At one point an older man asks some younger adults if any of them including our lead character, a lawyer, Johann Radman knew of Auschwitz.  They had no awareness.  Survivors did not want to talk about their suffering.  An actual historical character, Fritz Bauer charges Radman, a fictional composite with bringing out the Truth.  We learn Bauer chose only young prosecutors to avoid contamination.

An awkward time in German history.  By 1958 it was inevitable that former members of the Nazis were in positions of authority as well in common jobs.  They wanted to forget about their shame,  and move on.  

Radman found the task very difficult as he was greeted with denial from many and refusals from those whose current situation was tied to the guilty.  

Radman was given a romantic lead, Marlene to individualize the predicament.  It turns out he learns his father had been a Nazi and then he learns that Marlene's father had been a Nazi.  That accusation broke their relationship. 

We are told many Germans joined the Nazis pragmatically and that many like the two fathers drank to excess to bury their feelings.  Bystanders realize  they helped make the Holocaust possible.  Many want to get back to normal as soon as possible and not talk about it.  They feel the big concern is Russia.

There was disappointment when Adolf Eichmann wasl bundled off to Israel for trial and execution as the Germans felt they could have learned about Eichmann's superiors.  They knew of Josif Mengele's location in South America and visits to Europe, but in the end Mengele died outside justice.

Near the end, Radman and a Auschwitz survivor Simon traveled to Auschwitz to read a Kaddish for Simon's two daughters that had been apprehended by Josif Mengele.

Just before the end we are assembled to enter a court room.  The results are posted before the end credits.  There is no mystery to the basic outcome, but the film is focused on the social and legal process. 

Without the brutality of most Holocaust films, "Labyrinth of Lies" deals with the adjustments made by the German public.  Here are some of the people who made it gripping.

Giulio Ricciarelli was the director and a co-writer.  He was born in Italy, but raised in Germany.  Initially he was active in the theatre.  He has 14 credits as actor, 6 as producer and 4 as director.  

Sebastian Pille and Nicki Reiser handled the music.  Between the two they have over 90 composing credits.

Romain Osin was a cinematographer.  He has 38 cinematography credits and 4 for the camera and electrical department including "Pride & Prejudice' (2005).

Andrea Martens was the editor.  She has 14 credits as editor, 3 for the editorial department and 1 for the sound department including "When We Leave"(2010).

Alexander Fehling played Johann Radman.  He has 32 acting credits, 1 for directing, 1 for writing and 1 for dubbing including "Inglorious Basterds" (2009), "Homeland" (2015) and "A Hidden Life" (2019).

Friederike Becht played Marlene.  She has 46 acting credits including "The Reader" (2008).

Gert Voss played Fritz Bauer.  He was born in China and his family returned to Germany in 1948.  He established his credibility in German theatre.  He died just a few months before the release of the film.  Gert has 26 acting credits.

Ted Williams played Major Parker.  He was raised in America, but learned German as adult.  He attracted attention for his "Trivago" commercials.  He has 39 acting credits including for the French film "Chicken aux plums" (2011).

My viewing was with a DVD that allowed me to hear the director and lead actor commentary as well as Question and Answer session with the two, both in fluent English.  It gives a little different perspective on Germany and the Holocaust and helps explain the feeling of shame, guilt and fear.  Worth while