Joint Contrast

By – J.C.

“Sometimes I miss prison.”

It’s all true. Your life is as fucked up as you think it is. And there’s company, too. How do I know? People are sharing some of the darkest shit their minds have to offer through (not Twitter, Facebook or MySpace) a little project called PostSecret.

“Knowing you don’t use a condom when you cheat on me bothers me more than knowing you cheat…”

It’s a brilliant creative concept if you ask me. First, have strangers mail in postcards inscribed with some personal info they wouldn’t dare discuss with a dog. Then post the best offerings of deceit, loathing, hope and regret on a Web site for those sick fuck’s to get a rise out of. Then ultimately, turn said submissions into books and sell these reminders right back to the narcissist that mailed them in the first place (such as what Frank Warren has done.)

“Sometimes I wish I had been sexually abused so I wouldn’t feel guilty about being gay”

Seriously though, the Sunday Secrets page makes for a good early morning read, if not for an eyebrow raising experience. It’s like reality T.V. but without all the miserable fame-starved leaches with stiff personalities. Must be their guilt that attracts me. Maybe it’s my own guilt that gets swallowed each time I relate to one of those postcards.

“I haven’t smoked pot for a whole week and I am amazed how many things I have accomplished in that time.”

These cards come filled with much more than words. And it’s the accompanying images that set off what’s being confessed. I suppose words can only say so much about childhood memories, erotic obsessions and some of the other randomly complex and/or unethical behavior.

“He’s been in prison for two years because of what I did. 9 more to go.”

This short Web browsing experience provides some perspective. If nothing else, it really drives home the idea behind the old saying “some things are better left unsaid.” And maybe there’s comfort in knowing you’re not the only sick fuck out there. That you’re not the only angry, condescending piece of shit still breathing this planet’s precious oxygen supply. Or maybe it’s a society filled with unrealistic expectations that’s truly to blame.

“I will never forgive myself for letting my girlfriend get an abortion.”