Suzanne Britt's "Neat People vs Sloppy People"

To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”

Introduction

Suzanne Britt's essay, "Neat People vs Sloppy People," delves into the perceived moral dimensions of neatness and sloppiness. In her exploration, Britt contends that sloppy individuals possess moral superiority over their neat counterparts, attributing qualities of creativity and caring to sloppiness. This essay seeks to analyze Britt's arguments, examining the relationship between personal organization and morality, and exploring the deeper motivations behind her assertions.

The Virtues of Sloppiness: Creativity, Nobility, and Love

In the initial section of her essay, Britt paints a vivid picture of sloppy people as embodying creativity, nobility, and love.

Don't use plagiarized sources. Get your custom essay on

“ Sloppy People vs Neat People: An Exploration of Morality ”

Get custom paper

NEW! smart matching with writer

She portrays them residing in a "Never-Never land," a realm where disorder serves as a catalyst for creativity. According to Britt, the seemingly chaotic environments of sloppy individuals are not messes but muses, fostering imaginative thinking. Piles of magazines, disheveled desks, and unorganized books are depicted as the essential elements fueling the gears of creativity within a sloppy mind.

Moreover, Britt contends that sloppy people's reluctance to discard old newspapers and their failure to organize family pictures and postcards stem from a nobility that values sentimental attachments over superficial order.

Sloppy individuals, in her view, care too deeply to discard meaningful mementos hastily. These assertions aim to construct a positive image of sloppiness, emphasizing its potential to evoke creativity and showcase a caring, noble disposition.

The Morality of Neatness: A Cold-Hearted Disposition

Contrastingly, Britt paints a less flattering portrait of neat people in the subsequent section of her essay. She characterizes them as morally incompetent, operating on the principles of never using anything twice and disposing of everything.

Neat people, according to Britt, lack an emotional connection to objects such as mail, church bulletins, and coupons. Their willingness to discard birthday cards and final letters from dying relatives is presented as evidence of their cold-heartedness.

Britt's generalization of neat people may be perceived as an exaggeration, as she attributes a lack of love even to the extent of suggesting they would discard pets and children to maintain cleanliness. While such extreme assertions might be a rhetorical device, they contribute to the overarching theme of sloppiness being morally superior. This dichotomy between sloppy and neat people serves as the foundation for Britt's exploration of morality.

Unpacking Britt's Motivations: An Internal Struggle

Beyond the surface-level comparison of neat and sloppy individuals, there appears to be an underlying motivation in Britt's essay— a personal struggle with her own identity as a sloppy person. The passionate defense of sloppiness and the critique of neatness seem to be rooted in Britt's desire to justify and embrace her own inclinations towards messiness. The essay becomes a means for Britt to convince herself that her sloppiness is not a flaw but a commendable attribute.

Comparable to individuals making excuses for unfulfilled aspirations, Britt appears to be rationalizing her own lifestyle choices through this essay. The emphasis on the virtues of sloppiness and the perceived moral shortcomings of neatness serves as a form of self-assurance. The essay becomes a tool for Britt to affirm that being sloppy aligns with creativity, nobility, and caring, qualities she values and wishes to associate with her own identity.

Conclusion: A Personal Journey Through Neatness and Sloppiness

In conclusion, Suzanne Britt's essay, "Neat People vs Sloppy People," extends beyond a simple comparison of organizational habits. It serves as a vehicle for Britt to navigate her own internal struggle with sloppiness. By exalting the virtues of sloppiness and critiquing the morality of neatness, Britt seeks not only to persuade her audience but also to reassure herself. The essay prompts readers to reflect on the intricate relationship between personal organization and moral values, while also shedding light on the internal conflicts individuals may face in accepting their own idiosyncrasies.