Attic

Post Secret - tell me what I don't know

I came across a site recently that you probably have heard of. Postsecret is a blog where individuals from around the globe can have the very depths of their soul displayed for the world to see. The site provokes us to confide in it our darkest, dirtiest, funniest and simply quirkiest secrets. 

To me Postsecret is one of those unanticipated successes. Its meteoric rise to fame and fortune extends well beyond humble beginnings as a meager social experiment conducted by one man by the name of Frank Warren in Washington DC. In the past three and a half years, the site has expanded in both recognition and scope attracting widespread acclaim.

However, passing beyond this rather ‘wikipedia-esque’ introduction I find myself asking “What is it that has made Postsecret so attractive to countless people from all corners of the globe?”. Is it so simply true that beyond the scaffoldings of culture, history and language, Postsecret has shown us once again the universal scope of humanity?

It’s simple really! People submit their secret on a postcard and accompany it with a visual element be it an image, photo or drawing that further conveys the meaning of the text. The variance in visual and textual storytelling in these secrets is rather remarkable, but when one moves down to the simple core of these messages, reoccurring themes emerge. People yearn for love, friendship or acceptance, or they joke about their daily lives be it work, family or entirely random. 

I know it seems mundane and naive to parade the notion that Postsecret has uncovered that everybody hurts, feels love or shares humour. Of course it is rather inhumane to assume that we all don’t feel and share these commonalities. However, I believe that this is how Postsecret thrives and works. The site simply has found another way in which these commonalities may be accessed, revealed and coerced in a new and culturally stimulating way. 

The site is at foremost a visual site. Postcards are displayed like art and text is minimal thus expanding the site as a global apparatus by eliminating the segregation of language. It is simple to navigate which suggests that it has not wavered from the focus of its basic purpose. However, there are different avenues in the site such as the ‘Postsecret Community’ that has features like a forum for chat and discussion topics. ‘Postsecret videos’ is also a new edition that works in conjunction with youtube.

However, at the heart of the site remains the original blog still in its rawest and therefore most accessible form. I have to say, upon visiting the site I almost felt provoked to submit a secret of my own. I believe it is our human nature that begs us to reveal some fleeting glimpse of our darker and more controversial selves. Perhaps it is the same as our human curiosity that gives us excitement when uncovering the secrets of others. 

Be it what it is, Postsecret has struck a chord with this part in us that is as simple and common as having two legs and arms. The only regret I have is that I didn’t come up with such an idea myself sooner.