Josh Osborne, Kat Barclay

Criticisms of 'The Secret.'

:  The Secret is promoting a capitalist, Western lifestyle, while presenting racist images of the non-American "other".

:  Maybe I am a skeptic but I do not believe that if I master my thoughts and feelings that suddenly my world will be magical.

: I feel the intentions of this message are great however, just too over the top and quite ridiculous.

: I say the secret is a lie.

: Showing the people in this film as happy whenever they gain more possessions tricks the viewer into believing that more material goods result in happiness.

: I thought the focus on such arbitrary, material processions was ridiculous.

: I do not believe that your life can be turned around by simply having these happy, positive thoughts. Sometimes it has to be done the old fashioned way, hard work and determination.

: somewhat of an info-mercial for some horrible product on television.

: I just can’t understand how so many people watch this movie blindly and accept all the outlandish ideologies it pushes.

: Did the people killed in the world’s many wars merit this because of their thoughts?

Through our selection, we noticed a theme of criticism toward the capitalist orientation of The Secret.  Other quotes, like the final one, identify problems with The Secret that one simply cannot argue with.  It is clear that these criticisms have merit, rather than blind opinion.

For 'The Secret.'

: I feel that the Secret has been so successful because they make it clear that there is no one you have to answer to but yourself.

: Despite the literal meanings behind the messages, there is undoubtable value in the ideas.

: I will continue to work hard for what I really want and make it happen for myself.

: I believe that people are drawn to this type of "Secret" because it is attractive. It seems so easy to apply this to your life and receive whatever you want in return.

: All in all the movie started out unbelievable but once it was over I found it to be extremely helpful and interesting. Great movie and I would recommend it to anyone.

: I think that if you are thinking of the things you want, you’re more likely to think of a way to get them, and thus end up getting them in the end.

: It’s been proven that a positive state of mind over a negative one can provide a much better outcome.

: I enjoyed watching the secret because I liked many of the ideas that were put forward. I think that our minds do create the reality that we see around us.

: ultimately the foundation to The Secret, that we must make this happiness and joy last for as long as we possibly can.

: I personally believe that staying positive has a lot of power on our lives and definitely affects in a good way.

While looking at the positive reports, we noticed a focus a perceived easy way of life. There is definitely a view of pro-consumerist values apparent in these quotes.  These are in direct opposition to the very thing that made people criticize the film.