Colson Whitehead is a well renowned author of all times and has continued to amaze readers with his great talent in writing. In his book, Occasional Dispatches from the Republic of Anhedonia, he sheds light on this guy who is a poker player. Basically the person is not only a professional poker as he participates in other games also. He has a wife and a kid. Part 1 of the book mainly highlights the life of this character and his encounters or rather experiences. He is caught up in his life as a gambler that he forgets his duty as a father as well as a husband (Colson 34). One funny thing about him is that he does not know how to drive yet he and his wife own a car. He is somewhat reluctant in getting a driving license. Afterwards he and his wife divorce and he is left without a car (Colson 23). This is before he plans to go on a trip. Generally his life as a poker player blinds him and he forgets that he has a social life and that is what leads to his divorce from his wife. The life of this character is taken as a symbol to represent the lives of people who waste their lives in casinos just gambling. The idea is to take control of ones life and be responsible for each and every mistake one makes.
The Secret is a video not that long just about three minutes. It displays messages which are focused on changing people’s perception towards negative situations. it is normal that when a person is faced by a difficult situation, they tend to be irrational and thus do not think straight. This is probably one effect caused by the situation in which they are in. this video displays positive messages which are meant to make people think about happy thoughts. They are aimed at diverting all the troubles or difficult situations people are in and in turn make people think of what makes them happy. Moreover the video is bound to enhance the psychological status of an individual be they experiencing some problems or not. It is not limited so to speak. There are a number of ideas brought out in this video and some of them have been mentioned there on earlier. Human empowerment is yet another idea as well as strengthening an individual’s self esteem. Moreover the video offers people ways of looking at difficult situations in appositive way or manner and this has the effect of reversing the effects which the difficult situation had on them. It is quite straight and forward simple to understand.
The two works have something in common which is that they shed light on the life that we live and how it is affected by some of the situations or experiences we pass through. Whitehead’s essay talks of a person who is wrapped up in his life as poker player and forgets about his family and friends basically his social life is in ruins. On the other hand, the video displays a message aimed at improving people’s perception of difficult situations in life. Basically the common thing here is that both works talk about life and how people live it.
However thought that is the case, both works have different views and ideas. Whiteheads essay is talking about this guy who is a poker player as mentioned above an cannot be able to sustain his social life. He gets divorced by his wife and this leads to separation from his kid. The poker player’s life is one with many disappointments and it is not a life that one would admire. This is basically what Whitehead is trying to put across. There is a lot of negativity in the book. The poker player cannot even drive let alone not having a car which his wife goes away with after the divorce. He is just one character who cannot seem to take life seriously and does not show any interest in leading a responsible and healthy life. All his efforts are focused on becoming the best poker player ever.
The Secret on the other hand is filled with optimism and courage. The video actually presents people with a method to use when they are may be depressed or in a difficult situation. Unlike Whitehead’s essay, this video, through its messages, tries to make people see the beauty of life and how to live it responsibly and accountable for all of their actions. It helps people look at things as they are and with the seriousness that they deserve. This is contrary to what the character in Whitehead’s essay does. As mentioned above, he is a reckless person who does not really care about anything but playing poker. Fortunately, the video, The Secret, shows people that no matter what they may be going through, life is still a gift from God and it should be lived to the fullest.
Work cited
Colson W. “Occasional Dispatches from the Republic of Anhedonia: Part 1” 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phL0RLKL8bc
