Essay

Neat People vs. Sloppy People Response Essay by Jennifer Riddle


In Suzanne Britt’s essay, “Neat People vs. Sloppy People,” the author gives her definition of neat people and sloppy people. Shesays that neat people are “meaner and lazier than sloppy people.” They care more about the results than the process itself. They are wasteful and insensitive. Sloppy people, on the other hand,“…carry in their mind’s eye a heavenly vision, a precise plan, that is so stupendous, so perfect, it can’t be achieved in this world or the next.” I believe that these definitions convey a sense of ironybecause we tend to believe just the opposite of neat and sloppy people in real life.

I have always thought that being neat with my belongings, with my appearance, and even with my handwriting is adesirable attribute. Being neat makes me more productive. I can accomplish more in my life by being neat and organized. However, I consider sloppy behaviors such as a cluttered house, a messyoffice, or a disheveled appearance as a sign of laziness and lack of caring for myself or my surroundings. Being sloppy makes me less productive. I can’t possibly get ahead in life if I can’t even controlmy space. The ironic definitions in Britt’s essay made me wonder: is it possible that I have it all backwards? Do neat people actually attempt to control their surroundings at the expense of reallyexperiencing life? And, do sloppy people experience life more fully by allowing their external environment to be disorganized?

If this is the case, I would prefer to be a sloppy person. I wouldmuch rather enjoy and experience life than be caught up in “organizing” it to the point of not actually taking pleasure in the little things. I want family mementos around me. I want pictures andpostcards to remind me of vacations. I want to have childhood birthday cards and family scrapbooks that bring to mind times spent with my loved ones. I want to be able to appreciate my...